To America

By: Stephen E. Ambrose

Narrated by: Henry Strozier

Completed shortly before Ambrose's untimely death, To America is a very personal look at our nation's history through the eyes of one of the twentieth century's most influential historians.

Ambrose roams the country's history, praising the men and women who made it exceptional. He considers Jefferson and Washington, who were progressive thinkers (while living a contradiction as slaveholders), and celebrates Lincoln and Roosevelt. He recounts Andrew Jackson's stunning defeat of a superior British force in the battle of New Orleans with a ragtag army in the War of 1812. He brings to life Lewis and Clark's grueling journey across the wilderness and the building of the railroad that joined the nation coast to coast. Taking swings at political correctness, as well as his own early biases, Ambrose grapples with the country's historic sins of racism; its ill treatment of Native Americans; and its tragic errors such as the war in Vietnam, which he ardently opposed. He contrasts the modern presidencies of Eisenhower, Kennedy, Nixon, and Johnson. He considers women's and civil rights, immigration, philanthropy, and nation building. Most powerfully, in this final volume, Ambrose offers an accolade to the historian's mighty calling.

A True Gift of Patriotic Spirit!!

Dear Mr. Ambrose,
Thank you for your balanced, truthful, insightful, heart warming, witty, and fascinating gift of patriotism!
I know your mentor said not to use adjectives in your historical writing, but this is a review. I will have to listen again....and again. Would you consider being a political advisor to our three branches of government? I would vote for you for our President!
Your interviews and research are so enriching! I will have to get your book for my father, who I believe is only slightly older than you. Thank you for your energy and American spirit!
Sincerely,
Maria (your new fan!)
PS. Mr. Strozier is a superb narrator for your writing. He embodies your words with great warmth and understanding!

Fantastic History

Mr. Ambrose is a true master of his craft! The reader/narrator, made me feel like Ambrose was reading the book himself. I've always loved history and appreciate the time and effort put into this book.

Very interesting take on hot spots in our history

One reviewer did not like that Ambrose seemed to lack objectivity; too liberal. Since I'm a liberal, that didn't bother me as much as it might someone who leans to the right.

I really enjoyed the topics he picked and the narrative style (reminded me of Shelby Foote's 3-volume history of the Civil War). He clearly loved his work and reminded me why I've always been fascinated with American history. The narrator had a voice that reminded me of the newsmen I grew up listening to and watching on TV. Very authoritative with clear, accurate pronunciations.

I hesitate to mention this since I don't know how accurate these allegations are, but I've read that Mr. Ambrose has been accused of plagiarism and factual errors. I didn't hear anything that I know to fit either of those accusations, but deducted a star for story and overall just in case that's true. It certainly would make me hesitate in passing along information from this book without verifying it with other sources. (Can you tell that I work for a newspaper?)

Overall, I consider this to be a well-written and well-narrated book. I'm sure I'll be listening to it again.

I wish I'd been a historian

What a great book for those who ever studied history or for those interested in a brief overview of the different areas Mr Ambrose studied. He is a national treasure.

Wow!

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Ambrose's personal reflections. It is great to learn history from such a passionate author. I recommend this to all who wish to gain additional historical insight, while learning a little bit about the author as well.