Where to start with American History?

[Rootbeer]

Can anyone recommend good or essential texts suitable for a grown up foreigner interested in US history?

I've just started watching some of the Ken Burns documentaries on Netflix and am interested in reading a little more.

Many thanks,

Sam

[Laszlo]

Dukes of Hazard, Netflix?

In all seriousness, I think the History Channel had a great series called: America The Story of Us.

I think that's a great start for turn-of-the-century context.

[Kingair]

Don't you really need to go back really far in time ?

And I suppose that they didn't had any books . . .

[Marcela]

I would add "A History of the American People" by Paul Johnson

[threemonkeys]

The Civil War is a great place to start. And either of the world wars will provide a lot of insight, too. I would suggest anything offered by PBS or BBC.

[AzPaul]

Liked Michael Beschloss' 'The Conquerors'
David Halberstam's 'The Fifties'
and Doris Kearns Goodwins' 'Team of Rivals'

[Andad]

You could start in Ireland.

Where most of the real 'mericans came from?

[adamlea]

I'd say a good place to start would be "1776" by David McCollough. It will give you a good sense of both the essence of the American republic and those who helped establish it. 1776 is a very engaging book and it's easy to read as well.

Ken Burns is second to none. I believe Netflix also has the multi-part series titled "John Adams," which is based on another work by David McCollough of the same name. Look for it - it's good too.

[Hooper]

Originally Posted by adamlea

I'd say a good place to start would be "1776" by David McCollough. It will give you a good sense of both the essence of the American republic and those who helped establish it. 1776 is a very engaging book and it's easy to read as well.

Ken Burns is second to none. I believe Netflix also has the multi-part series titled "John Adams," which is based on another work by David McCollough of the same name. Look for it - it's good too.

Loved John Adams, great series!

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by directioneng

You could start in Ireland.

Where most of the real 'mericans came from?

That's a start

Or way back with Geronimo and his brothers

[Rootbeer]

Thanks for the replies everybody.

I started watching America The Story of Us last night on Amazon Prime and will follow up on some of those book suggestions asap.

[Pict]

Originally Posted by directioneng

You could start in Ireland.

Where most of the real 'mericans came from?

True, although don't forget the Scots, as many of the Irish who emigrated in 1600s had in fact come from Scotland prior to travelling and settling in America, mostly the northeast.