The purpose of this book is to make history approachable to people who might not know much about history or may not like history, hence the name. This is a very good overview primarily aimed at older children.
It takes a non-confrontational and non-confrontational approach to history, which fits with the generally conservative nature of history in education today. There are no debates. For example, it explains that, while slavery a leading cause of the Civil war, it weakly says that many factors were involved. It says nothing of the clash over the issue of slavery expanion to the western territories and the brutal confrontations leading to war.
By the way, I looked at the picture mentioned in another review. It does appear that the picture may be mislabeled, but it is not certain. The picture is a group of Russians. The Russian man in the middle is wearing a white outfit with several Russian medals, and he is obviously a Russian leader, although he probably is not Stalin. The man to the far right, two men over, appears to be a younger Stalin.
This is maybe the best overview of American history for older children and adults who do not know much about history. Considering the target audience, the book is a success. |
Don't Know Much About American History (Don't Know Much About) Books In Print, Audio Books.