Kenneth C. Davis, author of the phenomenal New York Times bestseller Don't Know Much About History, presents a collection of extraordinary stories, each detailing an overlooked episode that shaped the nation's destiny and character. Davis's dramatic narratives set the record straight, busting myths and bringing to light little-known but fascinating facts from a time when the nation's fate hung in the balance.
Spanning a period from the Spanish arrival in America to George Washington's inauguration in 1789, America's Hidden History details these episodes, among others:
- The story of the first real Pilgrims in America, who were wine-making French Huguenots, not dour English Separatists
- The coming-of-age story of Queen Isabella, who suggested that Columbus pack the moving mess hall of pigs that may have spread disease to many Native Americans
- The long, bloody relationship between the Pilgrims and Indians that runs counter to the idyllic scene of the Thanksgiving feast
- The little-known story of George Washington as a headstrong young soldier who committed a war crime, signed a confession, and started a war!
Full of color, intrigue, and human interest, America's Hidden History is an iconoclastic look at America's past, connecting some of the dots between history and today's headlines, proving why Davis is truly America's Teacher.
“With his witty and irreverent view of this country’s Colonial and revolutionary past, [Davis] ably shows that the success or failure of isolated events can have national and international consequences. May we expect a sequel to this delightful effort?”
“Once again Ken Davis proves that what you don’t know can be shocking. Do yourself a favor. Read this book.”
PRAISE FOR AMERICA’S HIDDEN HISTORY: “[M]errily removes the whitewash from an often-bland concept of the past, peeling people from their statues with tales of how some of the most famous Americans of whom you never heard shaped our nation.”
“You’ll learn lots in this engaging book of true, and often important, stories from U.S. history. These aren’t the tales you’ll find in most textbooks.”
“Writing from a rich font of scholarship, seasoning the facts with wit, irony and a novelist’s eye for telling detail, Kenneth C. Davis has conjured back to life some of the most fascinating figures of America’s founding decades. ”
“Davis’ engaging treatment is spicy but judicious…the book is far superior to standard high-school treatments, and a valuable reference for students young and old.”
Kenneth C. Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of A Nation Rising; America's Hidden History; and Don't Know Much About® History, which spent thirty-five consecutive weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, sold more than 1.6 million copies, and gave rise to his phenomenal Don't Know Much About® series for adults and children. A resident of New York City and Dorset, Vermont, Davis frequently appears on national television and radio and has been a commentator on NPR's All Things Considered. He blogs regularly at www.dontknowmuch.com.
Distributor: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication Date: 04-29-2008
Pages: 288
Measurements: 9in X 6in X 0.97in X 16.48oz
