Literary theme analysis, by a book like {foo}
Books about American History
A People's History of the United States
by Howard Zinn
An examination of American history from a perspective of marginalized people.
In the book, Zinn presented a different side of history from the more traditional "fundamental nationalist glorification of country". Zinn portrays a side of American history that can largely be seen ... (Goodreads)
Battle Cry of Freedom
by James M. McPherson
A comprehensive history of the American Civil War, focusing on the political and military aspects.
Filled with fresh interpretations and information, puncturing old myths and challenging new ones, Battle Cry of Freedom will unquestionably become the standard one-volume history of the Civil War. ... (Goodreads)
Theodore Roosevelt Trilogy
by Edmund Morris
A three-part biography of Theodore Roosevelt, exploring his life as a politician, soldier, and adventurer.
Arthur Edmund Morris (May 27, 1940 – May 24, 2019) was a British-American writer best known for his biographies of United States Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan . ... (Wikipedia)
The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris
by David McCullough
Story of the American artists, writers, scientists, and others who flocked to Paris in the 19th century, searching for inspiration and creativity.
The Greater Journey is the enthralling, inspiring - and until now, untold - story of the adventurous American artists, writers, doctors, politicians, architects, and others of high aspiration who set ... (Goodreads)
Mason & Dixon
by Thomas Pynchon
Epic tale of two surveyors in colonial America, exploring the boundaries of knowledge and identity.
Charles Mason (1728-1786) and Jeremiah Dixon (1733-1779) were the British surveyors best remembered for running the boundary between Pennsylvania and Maryland that we know today as the Mason-Dixon ... (Goodreads)
Gone with the Wind
by Margaret Mitchell
A sweeping portrait of love, loss, and survival in the American Civil War.
Gone with the Wind takes place in the state of Georgia during the American Civil War (1861–1865) and the Reconstruction Era (1865–1877). The novel opens on the eve of a rebellion in which seven ... (Wikipedia)
One Summer: America, 1927
by Bill Bryson
A vivid portrait of America in the summer of 1927, featuring a host of historical figures and events.
In One Summer Bill Bryson, one of our greatest and most beloved nonfiction writers, transports readers on a journey back to one amazing season in American life. The summer of 1927 began with one of ... (Goodreads)
The Little House Collection
by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Series of stories recounting a pioneer family's journey through the American West.
This nine-book paperback box set of the classic series features the classic black-and-white artwork from Garth Williams. The nine books in the timeless Little House series tell the story of Laura’s ... (Goodreads)
1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus
by Charles C. Mann
Re-examination of the pre-Columbian Americas, uncovering new evidence of its history.
In this groundbreaking work of science, history, and archaeology, Charles C. Mann radically alters our understanding of the Americas before the arrival of Columbus in 1492.,Contrary to what so many ... (Goodreads)
What Happened
by Hillary Rodham Clinton
A candid look into the 2016 election, exploring the events leading up to her defeat.
“In the past, for reasons I try to explain, I’ve often felt I had to be careful in public, like I was up on a wire without a net. Now I’m letting my guard down.” —Hillary Rodham Clinton, from the ... (Goodreads)
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
by Doris Kearns Goodwin
A comprehensive study of the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, and the unique cabinet he assembled.
Winner of the Lincoln Prize Acclaimed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin illuminates Lincoln's political genius in this highly original work, as the one-term congressman and prairie lawyer rises from ... (Goodreads)
Chasing Lincoln's Killer
by James L. Swanson
A gripping account of the hunt for John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln's assassin, and the events that followed his death.
NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author James Swanson delivers a riveting account of the chase for Abraham Lincoln's assassin.,Based on rare archival material, obscure trial manuscripts, and interviews ... (Barnes & Noble)
Little House on the Prairie
by Laura Ingalls Wilder
A family's journey of settling and persevering on the American Frontier.
Meet Laura Ingalls, the little girl who would grow up to write the Little House books. Pa Ingalls decides to sell the little log house, and the family sets out for Indian country! They travel from ... (Goodreads)
John Quincy Adams
by Harlow Giles Unger
Biography of John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States, and his contributions to American politics and diplomacy.
He fought for Washington, served with Lincoln, witnessed Bunker Hill, and sounded the clarion against slavery on the eve of the Civil War. He negotiated an end to the War of 1812, engineered the ... (Barnes & Noble)
Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power
by Jon Meacham
Detailed biography of Thomas Jefferson, exploring the man and his unprecedented influence.
In this magnificent biography, the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of American Lion and Franklin and Winston brings vividly to life an extraordinary man and his remarkable times. Thomas Jefferson: The ... (Goodreads)
Truman
by David McCullough
A biographical account of Harry S. Truman's rise to the Presidency and his impact on American history.
The book provides a biography of Harry Truman in chronological fashion from his birth to his rise to U.S. Senator , Vice President , and President . It follows his activities until death, exploring ... (Wikipedia)
Grant
by Ron Chernow
Biography of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, exploring his life and legacy.
Ulysses S. Grant's life has typically been misunderstood. All too often he is caricatured as a chronic loser and inept businessman, fond of drinking to excess; or as the triumphant but brutal Union ... (Goodreads)
Dave Barry Slept Here: A Sort of History of the United States
by Dave Barry
A humorous take on the history of the United States, from Columbus to Clinton, with a satirical twist.
"Bary turns his formidable wit to the subject of American history, with a result reminiscent of the Reduced Shakespeare Company: The better you know the original, the funnier it gets." LOS ANGELES ... (Goodreads)
Hamilton: The Revolution
by Lin-Manuel Miranda
A behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the groundbreaking musical "Hamilton", and its impact on American culture.
A backstage pass to the groundbreaking, hit musical, Hamilton, winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Eleven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, including the award-winning libretto, ... (Barnes & Noble)
No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II
by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Examines the lives of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt during WWII and their impact on the nation.
Winner of the Pulitzer for History, No Ordinary Time is a chronicle of one of the most vibrant & revolutionary periods in US history. With an extraordinary collection of details, Goodwin weaves ... (Goodreads)
The Partly Cloudy Patriot
by Sarah Vowell
An exploration of American nationalism and identity, weaving in personal stories and reflections.
Sarah Vowell travels through the American past and, in doing so, investigates the dusty, bumpy roads of her own life. In this insightful and funny collection of personal stories Vowell—widely hailed ... (Goodreads)
John Adams
by David McCullough
Biography of the second President of the United States and his contributions to the founding of the nation.
The enthralling, often surprising story of John Adams, one of the most important and fascinating Americans who ever lived. In this powerful, epic biography, David McCullough unfolds the adventurous ... (Goodreads)
Nothing Like It in the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-69
by Stephen E. Ambrose
Exploring the lives of the men who braved the odds to complete the first Transcontinental Railroad.
Nothing Like It in the World gives the account of an unprecedented feat of engineering, vision, and courage. It is the story of the men who built the transcontinental railroad—the investors who ... (Goodreads)
The Boston Girl
by Anita Diamant
A woman's story of growing up in the early 20th century, navigating the changing roles of women.
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Red Tent and Day After Night, comes an unforgettable coming-of-age novel about family ties and values, friendship and feminism told through the eyes ... (Goodreads)
The Last Stand: Custer, Sitting Bull, and the Battle of the Little Bighorn
by Nathaniel Philbrick
A gripping account of the legendary battle between General Custer and the Lakota Sioux.
"An engrossing and tautly written account of a critical chapter in American history." —,Los Angeles Times, Nathaniel Philbrick, author of In the Hurricane's Eye , Pulitzer Prize finalist Mayflower , ... (Barnes & Noble)
Colonel Roosevelt
by Edmund Morris
Biography of Theodore Roosevelt's life, from his rise to power to his death.
Of all our great presidents, Theodore Roosevelt is the only one whose greatness increased out of office. When he toured Europe in 1910 as plain “Colonel Roosevelt,” he was hailed as the most famous ... (Goodreads)
Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life, and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt
by David McCullough
Biography of Theodore Roosevelt, tracing his humble beginnings to his rise to power.
Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life, and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt is the brilliant biography of the young Theodore Roosevelt. ... (Goodreads)
Lincoln
by David Herbert Donald
Biography of Abraham Lincoln, detailing his rise to power and impact on the nation.
A masterful work by Pulitzer Prize–winning author David Herbert Donald, Lincoln is a stunning portrait of Abraham Lincoln’s life and presidency. Donald brilliantly depicts Lincoln’s gradual ascent ... (Goodreads)
Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President
by Candice Millard
The riveting story of the assassination of President Garfield, a tragedy of medical science and mistake.
James A. Garfield was one of the most extraordinary men ever elected president. Born into abject poverty, he rose to become a wunderkind scholar, a Civil War hero, and a renowned and admired ... (Goodreads)
Wish You Well
by David Baldacci
A family's journey to reclaim their heritage in the Appalachian Mountains.
The story starts out with the Cardinal family going on a trip to relieve them from some unknown stress. On the way back, it is revealed that the Cardinal family plans to move to California, due to ... (Wikipedia)
Reconstruction: America's Unfinished Revolution 1863-1877
by Eric Foner
A comprehensive analysis of the Reconstruction era in America, exploring the political, social, and economic changes that occurred after the Civil War.
This "masterful treatment of one of the most complex periods of American history" ( New Republic ) made history when it was originally published in 1988. It redefined how Reconstruction was viewed by ... (Goodreads)
Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad
by Ellen Levine
A slave's courageous escape to freedom via the Underground Railroad.
A stirring, dramatic story of a slave who mails himself to freedom by a Jane Addams Peace Award-winning author and a Coretta Scott King Award-winning artist. Henry Brown doesn't know how old he is. ... (Barnes & Noble)
Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever
by Bill O'Reilly
A detailed account of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and its impact on the nation.
A riveting historical narrative of the heart-stopping events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, and the first work of history from mega-bestselling author Bill O'Reilly, The anchor of, ... (Goodreads)
Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.
by Ron Chernow
Biography of the influential business magnate, chronicling his journey from poverty to riches.
John D. Rockefeller, Sr.–history's first billionaire and the patriarch of America's most famous dynasty--is an icon whose true nature has eluded three generations of historians. Now Ron Chernow, the ... (Goodreads)
The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge
by David McCullough
An in-depth account of the construction of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.
Published on the fortieth anniversary of its initial publication, this edition of the classic book contains a new Preface by David McCullough, “one of our most gifted living writers” (,The Washington ... (Goodreads)
Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder
by Caroline Fraser
Biography of pioneering author and her family's hardships, successes, and spirit.
WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD,WINNER OF THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE HEARTLAND PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION,ONE OF THE, NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW,'S 10 BEST BOOKS OF ... (Barnes & Noble)
The Complete Short Stories of Mark Twain
by Mark Twain
A collection of humorous and satirical short stories that showcase Mark Twain's wit and storytelling abilities.
For deft plotting, riotous inventiveness, unforgettable characters, and language that brilliantly captures the lively rhythms of American speech, no American writer comes close to Mark Twain. This ... (Goodreads)
The Right Stuff
by Tom Wolfe
The heroic story of the first American astronauts, and their incredible feats of courage.
Tom Wolfe began The Right Stuff at a time when it was unfashionable to contemplate American heroism. Nixon had left the White House in disgrace, the nation was reeling from the catastrophe of ... (Goodreads)
The Astronaut Wives Club
by Lily Koppel
The story of the women who supported America's early space program, showing strength and resilience.
As America's Mercury Seven astronauts were launched on death-defying missions, television cameras focused on the brave smiles of their young wives. Overnight, these women were transformed from ... (Goodreads)
The Last Runaway
by Tracy Chevalier
A young Quaker woman's struggle to find her place in a new country and a changing world.
New York Times, bestselling author of, Girl With a Pearl Earring, Tracy Chevalier makes her first fictional foray into the American past in, The Last Runaway, bringing to life the Underground ... (Goodreads)
New York
by Edward Rutherfurd
An epic saga spanning centuries of the history and people of New York City.
Edward Rutherfurd celebrates America’s greatest city in a rich, engrossing saga, weaving together tales of families rich and poor, native-born and immigrant—a cast of fictional and true characters ... (Goodreads)
Meet Felicity: An American Girl
by Valerie Tripp
Felicity, a young girl living in colonial America, navigates the challenges of growing up during the Revolutionary War.
Felicity falls in love with a beautiful horse named Penny. When she discovers that the owner is cruel, she is determined to find a way to save Penny. ... (Barnes & Noble)
My Life
by Bill Clinton
Memoir of a former President of the United States, chronicling his life and career.
An exhaustive, soul-searching memoir, Bill Clinton's My Life is a refreshingly candid look at the former president as a son, brother, teacher, father, husband, and public figure. Clinton ... (Goodreads)
Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush
by Jon Meacham
A biography of George H.W. Bush, exploring his life and legacy as a politician and statesman.
From Pulitzer Prize winner and #1 New York Times bestselling author Jon Meacham comes a sweeping yet intimate biography of George H. W. Bush. Based on rigorous research, hours of private interviews, ... (Goodreads)
Killing England: The Brutal Struggle for American Independence
by Bill O'Reilly
An in-depth look at the Revolutionary War, examining its pivotal battles and figures.
Told through the eyes of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Great Britain’s King George III, Killing England chronicles the path to independence in gripping detail, taking ... (Goodreads)
An American Princess: The Many Lives of Allene Tew
by Annejet van der Zijl
The true story of Allene Tew, an American heiress who lived a life of glamour and tragedy in Europe during the early 20th century.
A, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Charts bestseller.,, Two-time Man Booker Prize winner Hilary Mantel names, An American Princess, as one of her favorite book of the year: “light and gracefully ... (Barnes & Noble)
American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur 1880-1964
by William Manchester
A biography of the military leader, tracing his long and complicated career in the U.S. Army.
MacArthur, the public figure, the private man, the soldier-hero whose mystery and appeal created a uniquely American legend, portrayed in a biography that will challenge the cherished myths of ... (Goodreads)
The Immortal Irishman: The Irish Revolutionary Who Became an American Hero
by Timothy Egan
The story of Thomas Francis Meagher, an Irish revolutionary who escaped exile to become a Civil War hero in America.
"An old-fashioned tale of tall talk, high ideals,and irresistible appeal . . . You will not read a historical thriller like this all year . . . [Egan] is a master storyteller." ,—Boston Globe, “Egan ... (Barnes & Noble)
Blood and Thunder: An Epic of the American West
by Hampton Sides
An exploration of the westward expansion of the United States, recounting the lives of those who lived it.
A Magnificent History of How the West Was Really Won - a Sweeping Tale of Shame and Glory, In the fall of 1846 the venerable Navajo warrior Narbona, greatest of his people’s chieftains, looked down ... (Goodreads)
Kingdom of Fear: Loathsome Secrets of a Star-Crossed Child in the Final Days of the American Century
by Hunter S. Thompson
A memoir of Hunter S. Thompson's life, filled with drugs, guns, and political commentary. A wild ride through the end of the 20th century.
The book seems to begin as memoir or an autobiography, but rapidly devolves into numerous fragmented accounts of Thompson's exploits which could be termed as a type of, Gonzo, biography . There is a ... (Wikipedia)
I Heard You Paint Houses: Frank the Irishman Sheeran & Closing the Case on Jimmy Hoffa
by Charles Brandt
A hitman confesses to his involvement in the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa, revealing the dark side of organized crime and politics in America.
The first words Jimmy Hoffa ever spoke to Frank "the Irishman" Sheeran were, "I heard you paint houses." To paint a house is to kill a man. The paint is the blood that splatters on the walls and ... (Goodreads)
With Malice Toward None: A Biography of Abraham Lincoln
by Stephen B. Oates
A comprehensive biography of Abraham Lincoln, exploring his life, leadership, and legacy as one of America's greatest presidents.
“The standard one-volume biography of Lincoln.” — Washington Post “Certainly the most objective biography of Lincoln ever written.” —David Herbert Donald,, New York Times Book Review, The definitive ... (Barnes & Noble)
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