As I was reviewing a grad school text today, I wished that more people would read this book. Here is a list of books I think my American friends should read.
Food Routes: Growing Bananas in Iceland and Other Tales from the Logistics of Eating by Robyn Metcalfe.
As we are dealing with supply shortages and gaps, this book is particularly enlightening to understand the global supply system and why things work and don't work.
Seven Myths of Africa in World History by David Northup
This short book debunks seven myths about Africa and provides a nice overview of African history. Remember Africa is an incredibly diverse continent with over 50 countries (ethnically, racially, culturally, genetically, etc.).
Love Canal: A Toxic History from Colonial Times to the Present by Richard S. Newman
This book was hard to read because of the depressing material. But it is also important to understand the environmental impact that historical decisions have and to understand the role of government in monitoring and improving the environment.
The American Census: A Social History by Margo J. Anderson
As a genealogist, the American census is one of my most valued historical sources. The census is such an important tool that dictates a lot of public policy. Every American should understand why the census was created, how it was used historically, and how it is used today.
Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate by Leila Ahmed
The Western world has a very complicated history with Islam, the Middle East, and Asia. This book provides an accurate overview of Islam and women's roles within it. Well-written, very well-researched, and invaluable.
New World Faiths: Religion in Colonial America by Jon Butler
A good summary of religion in Colonial America. Invaluable to understand the nation's roots.
The Texture of Contact: European and Indian Settler Communities on the Frontiers of Iroquoia, 1667-1783 by David L. Preston
A really great book about the interactions between European colonist/settlers and Native Americans. Lots of amazing sources and provides a nuanced analysis of the frequent interactions.
Men on Horseback: The Power of Charisma in the Age of Revolution by David A. Bell
This is probably the most well-written and engaging book of all the titles I suggested. Bell looks at the role of charismatic leaders during the Age of Revolution. He examines George Washington, Napolean Bonaparte, Toussaint, and Simon Bolivar. You will really enjoy this book.
Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland by Christopher Browning
Christopher Browning asks the question, "why did ordinary men become complicit in the holocaust." Through examining the men of the Reserve Police Battalion 101 the answers are surprising. The book isn't very long but makes you realize that it is harder to stand up for good than it is to comply with evil. Absolutely a must-read.
Strangers in the Land: Patterns of American Nativism 1860-1925 by John Higham
John Higham examines the rise of American Nativism which is anti-immigration and pro-expansionism in this book. Very well-written and profound. So relevant to today's debates about immigration.
America's Mission by Tony Smith
Smith examines America's role in spreading democracy and its imperialism. Smith asserts that the United States was crucial in helping democracy spread throughout the world. But he also expresses concerns about the trajectory of world-wide democracy and the rise of extremism.
Honorable Mentions
Dispossessed Lives: Enslaved Women, Violence, and the Archive by Marisa J. Fuentes
Fuentes tries to reconstruct the lives of enslaved women in 18th-century Carribean. An unflinching look at the brutality of slavery and the many women (mostly white) who were complicit in enacting violence on their female slaves and trafficking them.
The Enlightened Economy by Joel Mokyr
Just read the first half and the epilogue. Mokyr's discussion of the Enlightenment and its role in the Industrial Revolution is incredible. The second half is boring.
Fin-de-Siecle Vienna: Politics and Piety by Carl E. Schorske
You should only read this if you got a degree in English literature or the humanities. In my class, only the English lit/humanities majors loved this book. A masterful examination of the arts in Vienna during the turn of the century.
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