I want to learn more about early American history

Dan · November 07, 2016, 02:23:50 PM

Which books should I read?

Alternative Facts · November 07, 2016, 02:28:02 PM

The Constitution is a wonderful piece of "realistic fiction"

Verbatim · November 07, 2016, 02:30:05 PM

why

shit's boring

Azumarill · November 07, 2016, 03:39:58 PM

might want to narrow down "early" to a specific time period/events. without specifics i can only recommend a few generalized works.

"america: a narrative history volume 1" by george brown tindall and david emory shi covers american history from the pre colombian era up through reconstruction. its a solid entry level book.

there is also "what hath god wrought: the transformation of america, 1815-1848" by daniel walker howe. this book describes the evolution of commerce in america during the jacksonian era.

my third recommendation would be alexis de tocqueville's work "democracy in america." this is a frenchman's perspective on early american history and democracy.

Dan · November 07, 2016, 03:55:34 PM

Quote from: Azumarill on November 07, 2016, 03:39:58 PM

might want to narrow down "early" to a specific time period/events.

american enlightenment period and the american revolution.

Jono · November 07, 2016, 04:01:31 PM

Watch Pawn Stars and American Pickers on the History Channel

🍁 Aria 🔮 · November 07, 2016, 06:36:04 PM

Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Loewen is an excellent book, and the only information you need going into it is a high school history experience. It's not comprehensive since it spans from 1493 to recent events (mostly hanging around Reconstruction era), but it talks about the flaws of textbook education and touches on events that were left out of them.

snee0rp · November 08, 2016, 01:51:46 AM

Geology textbooks do this really well.

Mmmmm Napalm · November 08, 2016, 08:48:19 AM

Quote from: Azumarill on November 07, 2016, 03:39:58 PM

might want to narrow down "early" to a specific time period/events. without specifics i can only recommend a few generalized works.

"america: a narrative history volume 1" by george brown tindall and david emory shi covers american history from the pre colombian era up through reconstruction. its a solid entry level book.

there is also "what hath god wrought: the transformation of america, 1815-1848" by daniel walker howe. this book describes the evolution of commerce in america during the jacksonian era.

my third recommendation would be alexis de tocqueville's work "democracy in america." this is a frenchman's perspective on early american history and democracy.

I own a copy of the 7th edition Tindall/Shi textbook. It was a gift from my high-school APUSH and AP Psychology teacher, whom I consider to be among my greatest friends.

It's a great textbook. It tends to be a bit emotionally charged at times for my tastes but aside from that I think it's a great book.