Thread: What is the best comprehensive, authoritative book on American history (no textbooks please)?

Though I read it over ten years ago this book lives in my memory as a superlative history, even though I have not read Volumes II and II: The Oxford History of the American People: Volume One, Prehistory to 1789, by Samuel Eliot Morison (read 6 Jun 1998) This book is really a pleasure to read. Even though I've read a lot of U.S. histories this one never seemed dull or old hat. It is just felicitously written. Morison is a true patriot,...

Ditto. Paul Revere's Ride is one of the best, most readable books on the American Revolution. You can't go wrong with it. Don

I would highly recommend Eric Foner's "The Story of American Freedom."

I don't think any single book can do justice to the full sweep of US history. I'd rather go to a multi-volume series like the Oxford History of the United States. But if you want a lively, accessible one-volume introduction, you could do lots worse than Robert Remini's "A Short History of the United States". See http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780061712357/A_Short_History_of_the_United_States/index.aspx

I am looking for the most comprehensive book on American history that is ENJOYABLE to read. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

I have to second Paul Johnson's book. I am currently reading it, and it is great. From what I hear, it actually is great until the 1960's come around. Still, that's pretty good, right?

I would recommend this trilogy of three handy small volumes of historical documents on American history. Great Issues in American History, Vol. I: From Settlement to Revolution, 1584-1776 Great Issues in American History, Vol. II: From the Revolution to the Civil War, 1765-1865 Great Issues in American History, Vol. III: From Reconstruction to the Present Day, 1864-1981 The Zinn People's History is good, but it omits many core issues of...

If you like to read and are interested in American history you will love Paul Revere's Ride by David Hackett Fischer. It details the beginning of our nation from before the revolution to about 1820. I have read it several times and really enjoy the detail and accuracy it provides. It brings you right to the era and shows you how this all started. It is NOT about Paul Revere's Ride, but is about the history of that point in time.

Don Britain. The question was for a "the best comprehensive" book on American History. You use the occasion to hawk your own book about two of the 50 states in a precribed time period. Your pathetic attempt to hawk your own financial interests is so transparent it is painful. Get a grip. If your magnum Opus has any merit whatsoever it will suggest itself to the 3 people that are actually interested in your very limited...

gee, lighten up! Mr. Britain recommended 3 other authors, and he only suggested his if you have a special interest...rather soft shoe and not inappropriate. And, I would believe that there are many more than 3 people interested in the history of Texas.