Description: In this bestseller, praised as "a magnificent achievement" ("Wall Street Journal"), the author of "Modern Times" offers a challenging reinterpretation of American history.
Brief description:
Paul Johnson is a historian whose work ranges over the millennia and the whole gamut of human activities. He regularly writes book reviews for several UK magazines and newspapers, such as the Literary Review and The Spectator, and he lectures around the world. He lives in London, England.
Review Quotes:
"A memorable, pleasurable, and instructive reading experience...This outstanding narrative interpretation, whether underscoring either the costs and injustices attending this country's creating or emphasizing admirable aspects of democratic, constitutional achievement." - Booklist
"Johnson understands something most academics today do not know or want to admit, to wit, that the social and political history of the United States has been driven largely by a peculiar religiosity that in time made Americanism itself into a civic religion....His zesty, irreverent narratives teach more history to more people than all the post-modernist theorists, highbrow critics and dons put together." - Walter A. McDougall
"A fresh, readable and provocative survey. . . . Johnson can be very wise." - Los Angeles Times
"Masterly--readable, intelligent and, depending on your point of view, either annoyingly or endearingly cranky." - Newsweek
"Arresting contentions and pieces of fascinating oddball information. . . . The book also offers a rare opportunity to witness someone trying to make sense of all 400 years of American history and to discover what 'tremendous lessons' it holds for Americans and 'the rest of mankind.'" - New York Times Book Review
"His zesty, irreverent narratives teach more history to more people than all the post-modernist theorists, highbrow critics and dons put together." - Times Literary Supplement
"Paul Johnson's A History of the American People is as majestic in its scope as the country it celebrates. His theme is the men and women, prominent and unknown, whose energy, vision, courage and confidence shaped a great nation. It is a compelling antidote to those who regard the future with pessimism." - Henry A. Kissinger
"This is vivid and memorable writing...Proves that history can still be literature." - National Review