书名: Twentieth-Century America: A Brief History
作者: Thomas C. Reeves (Author)
出版社: Oxford University Press, USA (December 2, 1999)
语言: English
ISBN-10: 0195044835
ISBN-13: 978-0195044836
Book Description
As this most tumultuous century draws to a close, the need for a concise and trustworthy history is clear. Recent decades have seen the publication of American histories that are either bloated with unnecessary detail or infused with a polemical purpose that undermines their authority. InTwentieth-Century America, Thomas C. Reeves provides a fluidly written narrative history that combines the rare virtues of compression, inclusiveness, and balance. From Progressivism and the New Deal right up to the present, Reeves covers all aspects of American history, providing solid coverage of each era without burying readers in needless detail or trivia. This approach allows readers to grasp the major developments and continuities of American history and to come away with a cohesive picture of the whole of the twentieth century. The volume stresses social and well as political history, emphasizing the roles played by all Americans--including immigrants, minorities, women, and working people--and pays special attention to such topics as religion, crime, public health, national prosperity, and the media. Reeves is careful throughout to present both sides of controversial subjects and yet does not leave readers bewildered about which interpretations are most strongly supported or where to explore these issues more thoroughly. At the conclusion of each chapter, the author cites ten authoritative volumes for further study. The bibliographies, as well as the text, are refreshing in their lack of ideological bent. "Objectivity," Reeves suggests, "is an illusive but worthy goal for the historian." For anyone wishing to achieve a lucid historical overview of the past 100 years, Twentieth-Century America is the best place to start.
Review
"Grade 9 Up-Reeves competently describes the changes that have occurred in the United States over the last century as our country has grown from a brash newcomer among the older European nations into the lone superpower and global economic dynamo that we are today. All of the major issues and events are touched upon in this clearly written, though somewhat bland recital. The text is arranged in short chronological chapters and is accompanied by a sprinkling of black-and-white photos. There is thorough coverage and thoughtful analysis of each presidency from Theodore Roosevelt to Bill Clinton. The changing roles of women, the recognition of the civil rights of African Americans, and the gradual improvements in their standard of living and access to higher education are adequately covered. The sexual revolution and other counterculture influences of the '60s and '70s are duly noted. "Monicagate" and the impeachment of Bill Clinton receive a brief, but clear explanation as well. The U.S. intervention in Kosovo and the bombing of Yugoslavia conclude the volume. A short, helpful list of suggested readings follows each chapter. Students should find this a useful no-frills introduction to the topic, adequate for an introductory course or quick reference. Harold Evans's much larger and more attractively packaged The American Century (Knopf, 1998) provides similar coverage with a multitude of fascinating photos and an extensive bibliography, but its size makes it more suitable for reference." --Douglas Wooley, Brooklyn Public Library, NY, School Library Journal
"Reeves delivers a comprehensive and enlightening view of the 20th century without drowning his readers in nonrelevant detail. For the light reader or the historian--this book's a winner." --Tommy G. Thompson, Governor, State of Washington
"Finally, a lively U.S. history text full of facts, not polemics. With Twentieth-Century America, Thomas Reeves has given students an engaging, balanced narrative of the dramatic events, and sometimes disturbing trends, that have shaped our lives in recent times." --Kenneth J. Heineman, Ohio University, Lancaster Campus
"A coherent and engaging narrative. Professor Reeves brings to life the dominant issues and personalities of each decade; he knows just where a deft detail will illuminate a theme or acquaint readers with real men and women contending with change, and forging American consciousness and tradition." --William F. Buckley, Jr.
About the Author
Thomas C. Reeves is Professor of History at the University of Wisconsin, Parkside and Senior Fellow at the Wisconsin Policy Institute. The author of The Life and Times of Joe McCarthy and the best-selling A Question of Character: A Life of John F. Kennedy, he lives in Franksville, Wisconsin.
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作者: Thomas C. Reeves (Author)
出版社: Oxford University Press, USA (December 2, 1999)
语言: English
ISBN-10: 0195044835
ISBN-13: 978-0195044836
Book Description
As this most tumultuous century draws to a close, the need for a concise and trustworthy history is clear. Recent decades have seen the publication of American histories that are either bloated with unnecessary detail or infused with a polemical purpose that undermines their authority. InTwentieth-Century America, Thomas C. Reeves provides a fluidly written narrative history that combines the rare virtues of compression, inclusiveness, and balance. From Progressivism and the New Deal right up to the present, Reeves covers all aspects of American history, providing solid coverage of each era without burying readers in needless detail or trivia. This approach allows readers to grasp the major developments and continuities of American history and to come away with a cohesive picture of the whole of the twentieth century. The volume stresses social and well as political history, emphasizing the roles played by all Americans--including immigrants, minorities, women, and working people--and pays special attention to such topics as religion, crime, public health, national prosperity, and the media. Reeves is careful throughout to present both sides of controversial subjects and yet does not leave readers bewildered about which interpretations are most strongly supported or where to explore these issues more thoroughly. At the conclusion of each chapter, the author cites ten authoritative volumes for further study. The bibliographies, as well as the text, are refreshing in their lack of ideological bent. "Objectivity," Reeves suggests, "is an illusive but worthy goal for the historian." For anyone wishing to achieve a lucid historical overview of the past 100 years, Twentieth-Century America is the best place to start.
Review
"Grade 9 Up-Reeves competently describes the changes that have occurred in the United States over the last century as our country has grown from a brash newcomer among the older European nations into the lone superpower and global economic dynamo that we are today. All of the major issues and events are touched upon in this clearly written, though somewhat bland recital. The text is arranged in short chronological chapters and is accompanied by a sprinkling of black-and-white photos. There is thorough coverage and thoughtful analysis of each presidency from Theodore Roosevelt to Bill Clinton. The changing roles of women, the recognition of the civil rights of African Americans, and the gradual improvements in their standard of living and access to higher education are adequately covered. The sexual revolution and other counterculture influences of the '60s and '70s are duly noted. "Monicagate" and the impeachment of Bill Clinton receive a brief, but clear explanation as well. The U.S. intervention in Kosovo and the bombing of Yugoslavia conclude the volume. A short, helpful list of suggested readings follows each chapter. Students should find this a useful no-frills introduction to the topic, adequate for an introductory course or quick reference. Harold Evans's much larger and more attractively packaged The American Century (Knopf, 1998) provides similar coverage with a multitude of fascinating photos and an extensive bibliography, but its size makes it more suitable for reference." --Douglas Wooley, Brooklyn Public Library, NY, School Library Journal
"Reeves delivers a comprehensive and enlightening view of the 20th century without drowning his readers in nonrelevant detail. For the light reader or the historian--this book's a winner." --Tommy G. Thompson, Governor, State of Washington
"Finally, a lively U.S. history text full of facts, not polemics. With Twentieth-Century America, Thomas Reeves has given students an engaging, balanced narrative of the dramatic events, and sometimes disturbing trends, that have shaped our lives in recent times." --Kenneth J. Heineman, Ohio University, Lancaster Campus
"A coherent and engaging narrative. Professor Reeves brings to life the dominant issues and personalities of each decade; he knows just where a deft detail will illuminate a theme or acquaint readers with real men and women contending with change, and forging American consciousness and tradition." --William F. Buckley, Jr.
About the Author
Thomas C. Reeves is Professor of History at the University of Wisconsin, Parkside and Senior Fellow at the Wisconsin Policy Institute. The author of The Life and Times of Joe McCarthy and the best-selling A Question of Character: A Life of John F. Kennedy, he lives in Franksville, Wisconsin.
[thread=9610]论坛相关讨论主题[/thread]
