The American Story: Conversations with Master Historians (Gift for History Buffs)

This is a collection of Congressional Dialogue interviews conducted by David M. Rubenstein at the Library of Congress. The general standard of the interviews is quite high; it is a fine piece of historical work. This is so for several reasons: Rubenstein has selected the most knowledgeable subjects to interview; he carefully introduces each interview and provides the appropriate context; his questions are well thought out and evoke valuable responses from the interviewees; and everyone just seems comfortable and enthusiastic. Lately, Rubenstein has become a philanthropic megastar with substantial gifts to (among others) Monticello, the Jefferson Memorial restoration, as well as providing rare copies of the Magna Charta and the Federalist Papers to historical centers. He also is an extremely knowledgeable student of American history, well equipped to hold his own with interviewees of such stature. There are 16 interviews. Among the best are Jack Warren on Washington; Jon Meacham on Jefferson; Walter Isaacson on Franklin; Ron Chernow on Hamilton; A. Scott Berg on Lindbergh (full of surprises); Robert Caro on LBJ and Robert Moses; and an excellent H.W. Brands on Reagan. Chief Justice Roberts is also included in an interview about the Court. But really all are outstanding, because Rubinstein has selected carefully from those who have written extensively on the subject of their interview, and asked perceptive and informed questions. The remaining essays focus on John Adams (David McCullough); Founding Mothers (Cokie Roberts); Lincoln (Doris Kearns Goodwin); FDR (Jay Winik); Ike (Jean Edward Smith); JFK (Richard Reeves); Martin Luther King (Taylor Branch); and Richard Nixon (Bob Woodward). One of the strengths of the book, and a considerable one at that, is that even when an interviewee is discussing a familiar figure, out pop some interesting new facts or angles. The interviews on Hamilton, Ike, JFK, and King and Reagan especially manifest this and make for interesting reading. Like M&Ms, reading just a single interview is hard to do: the richness of the material just draws the reader in. So thanks again to David Rubenstein for another important historical contribution.

Fascinating, insightful, entertaining conversations with the authors of some of the best books about American history that will inspire you to read more deeply on the subject.

David Rubenstein’s The American Story: Conversations with Master Historians is a fun, informative read. David uses his excellent contact list to interview renowned historians on 16 very important Americans. He uses an interview style, the read is breezy, you’ll learn something new about each person, and you’ll be yearning to learn more about famous people in US history. For instance, you’ll learn about the raw political power of LBJ that was wasted by JFK, JFK’s life-threating illness and drug use (Addison’s disease) and his ineffectiveness with his civil rights agenda, Charles Lindbergh’s amorous life and isolation from his children, Thomas Jefferson’s near bankruptcy and aversion to speeches (yet he was a master of the written word), Ronald Reagan’s conversion to conservatism, and so much more. Bias Alert: Rubenstein is unable to keep his political opinions out of the narrative. His disdain for Republicans and conservatives appears throughout. Who would have thought, says Rubenstein, that conservatives are angry people and Democrats are optimists. So for instance Rubenstein is barely able to credit any Reagan accomplishments. Overt political bias is the only flaw of the book. Still, I highly recommend the read.

Rubenstein proves his skill as an interviewer in this compilation of dialogues with authors. Introductions precede each interview, which reveal Rubenstein’s skill as an historian and author. Each chapter holds fascinating information into an American leader’s life and work, and an author’s work as historian and communicator.

Met all expectations. The item arrived undamaged and in perfect condition - well packaged. The item description was very accurate and the value was fair. I would highly recommend this seller and would not hesitate to buy from them again.

This was a fascinating look at a variety of ultra-famous American political figures - mostly presidents- via transcripts of interviews with biographers of each of the men and women. It was a fascinating look at details I did not know about each of these iconic figures and it left me wanting to read full biographies of many of these people who determined American history. I learned of things such as why Nixon chose to put a recording system in the Oval Office, or that Lincoln was elected because there were so many other candidates that split the national vote. I greatly enjoyed this book!

I read a lot of history books; McClay and Chernow are two of my current favorites. I hesitated buying this one because I wasn't sure it would be detailed enough, especially after reading the other authors. However, it's been a fantastic read. I thought "hmmn the format (interviews) sounds interesting", so I bought it. There are some great discussions in this book. I've learned some cool stuff that I hadn't read in other books. Well worth it, and a great gift for other history buffs. David Fisher~~

This book was worth a read and provided a good introduction into a number of famous Americans. It definitely isn’t the most engaging book I’ve ever read but I came away knowing a great deal more about the USAs history.

Engaging. Rubenstein has the ability to find the story. We don’t get any boring historical facts like places, dates, treaties, etc. The focus is on only the interesting stuff, i.e. what may enamour normal people who may or may not care for the subject. I made my teenage twins read parts of this in order to get more videogame time during lockdown. My twins are allergic to reading, however, they read passages of this book and loved it- “it’s not trash.” They liked that (1) the stories are covered in an engaging interview format, (2) the stories are short, e.g. George Washington is 25 pages, and (3) the focus is on intriguing, interesting insights that are relevant today, e.g. why didn’t Washington become a dictator and cling to power like other successful revolutionaries? And how did he reconcile slavery and what happened to his 100+ slaves??

I loved the way the book was written! Even brilliant people ! Screw up occasionally!fact

Love the book and information that I have learned

The most exciting and engaging historical dialogue. David's probing is as good as Socrates. Truly a masterpiece! A must read for every American.

Excellent livre.