preview, but amazing experience
I admit I have yet to read this book, but I have listened to and talked with the author and am excited to read it! You wouldn't think that an older professor with a droning-like voice could have a bit of a sense of humor that would usually make a semi-boring topic like this one interesting, but Howe does just that. He was able to make a group of 50+ college students pay attention, listen intently, and enjoy his lecture. If the author, while speaking about this book can do that, I am willing to sit down and read my signed copy of this book...all 800+ pages of it.
I will update my review for this book after I have finished it.
Excellent entry in the Oxford series
There seems to be a general consensus that "The Oxford History of the United States" has done much better by the early years of the American Republic than the post-World War II era. Howe maintains the tradition with this outstanding survey of American life between 1815 and 1848. Some have complained of "political correctness" in Howe's treatment of Indian Removal, slavery, and the women's rights movement, but, in my opinion, Howe really goes far afield only when discussing the last of these, when he terms the Seneca Falls convention of 1848 "[the most] encouraging" of America's "hopeful aspects" during this chaotic period. "More encouraging" than the rise of the movement to abolish slavery, which was a far more morally pressing matter at the time? Somehow, I doubt it. On the other side of the coin, Howe's championing of the leading lights and ideas of the Whig Party takes direct aim at the "PC" conventional wisdom that "Jacksonian Democracy" was the "heroic" political movement of this period. Howe does an excellent job of alternating discussions of "meat-and-potatoes" historical information (elections, political disputes, warfare, etc.) with surveys of various facets of American culture. He places particular emphases on the dramatic developments in transportation and communications that both facilitated economic development and made it possible for various popular movements to flourish. Howe's work is fully worthy to stand next to McPherson's "Battle Cry of Freedom" and Middlekauff's "The Glorious Cause" as the best books in the Oxford series. (For others interested in antebellum America, I'd also recommend MacDougall's "Throes of Democracy" for a slightly different, somewhat more cynical take on the subject.)
What Hath God Wrought
I debated giving this book a five star rating but decided to go with four stars because author Howe is a bit over the top on occassion with his political digs. Was the Whig party truly as wonderful as he portrays it as it challenged the Democrats? If it was so great why did it die out or morph into the Republican party within 15 years? But politics aside, this book is great. Clearly this book sets a new standard for completeness in its scope. The period 1815-1848 was an incredibly active period with events going on not only in the geo-political spectrum, but also in social history, economics, church history, arts and literature, and philosophy. The author seems to have a good handle on each of these, maiking this book an excellent starting point for anyone intersted in how America emerged from the early constitutional period to that which more or less resembles our own society.
Political bickering between parties begins in this period, so does uniquely "American" industry and imperialism. Some have criticized Howe's approach to history by saying he is too politically correct. Well, tell that to hundreds of thousands of African slaves or tens of thousands of displaced Indians. The white dominated government was brutal. At one point in the book Howe says the historian's job is to understand, not condemn. Slavery in the land of the free is more than just a paradox, it's a disgrace. Imperial attitudes towards the conquored Indians and Mexicans shows how determined our imperialist policies were. President Polk went to war based on lies. His claim that the war started on American soil took advantage of the general ignorance of the American people. Other presidents have unfortunately followed this bad example.
But this book covers so much ground I can see it becoming a required text in college history courses. The author clearly has a solid grasp on his subject matter and his writing style, while polemical at times, it does get the message across.
Well-deserved praise
This book is truly deserving of the Pulitzer Prize and inclusion in the Oxford History Of the United States series.I was a bit apprehensive when picking up this massive book and deciding whether to purchase. As I randomly thumbed through the pages, every page I read had an interesting passage.Upon purchase,the entire book was interesting, comprehensive and complete. As mentioned in other reader reviews, Howe's writing did slant toward modern politically-correct analysis(especially anti-Andrew Jackson and Polk).I did not feel this was a negative in that he fairly presented the facts and a comprehensive overview(economic,political,social and religous atmosphere) of the times to allow the reader his/her own thought provoking conclusions.One of the finest history books I've read ,and the best for the era it was written about.
Essential American History
This is a book every American lover of history should read and own. The detail of research is both exhaustive and often entertaining. Whether its military, religious, political or cultural, Daniel Howe covers it in telling detail. Enjoy this as a good, long read, or simply explore the chapters or areas of interest you are investigating. A wonderful reference for social studies teachers who seek the facts and issues that crafted American sentiment and history in the 19th century.
(27 reviews)
