Description
Book SynopsisHistory classes reduce America's story into a dry litany of dates, names, and places. That's Not in My American History Book tackles the messy details, reclaims disregarded heroes, and sets the record straight. This book explains why July 4th isn't really Independence Day, reveals 19th century mudslinging that labels Andrew Jackson a "murderer," and even unveils the only vice president with a number-one pop hit. With insight, wit, and irreverence, Ayres uncovers our overlooked past.
Trade ReviewA fascinating, irresistible, behind-the-scenes look at historical events that you only 'thought' you knew about. Thomas Ayres knows just where to look for those rare nuggets that capture the imagination, and he relates them all in such an appealing way. -- Darwin Payne, Professor Emeritus at Southern Methodist University and author of
Big D: Triumphs and Troubles of An American Supercity in th
That's Not in My American History Book...gives the reader fascinating stories on the history of America that is not taught in our schools, and that knocks down the many prevailing myths concerning events in our American saga. This book was a joy to read and should be viewed as the 'real' story of our nation's saga, without the blemishes and politically correctness that we have for so long been used to. Go get it. * Back Channels Magazine *
Riveting true tales of our less-celebrated national past. Comprehensive and witty. * Virginian-Pilot *
There is just no way to get bored by what he reports. Had my history text in school been this interesting, I may have majored in history. * The Republican *
...[T]he kind of refreshing research found in this illuminating treasury of American history [is] most likely not found in the text books you read in school. * Post-Tribune *
Perhaps so few people ... seem to know or care about American history because their teachers bored them into catatonia from grade school on ... if they would only read this little gem of a book ... [they] would find a whole new area of human knowledge in which to immerse themselves. * Advance *
This compilation of little-known events and heroes gathers all the juicy stories edited out of history textbooks. * Bookwatch *
Investigative reporter Thomas Ayresis sets history straight. * Publishers Weekly *
Ayers' conjectures and sidelights ... put life into what is very often a boring subject for school-aged children. * Denver Post *
Here, finally, is a history book that can be enjoyed by everyone. It approaches history for what it really is-stories of people doing interesting, courageous, and crazy things. Tom Ayres turns history into something that is fun as well as important. * Jim Lehrer *
Comprehensive. Witty. * Virginian - Pilot *
