American History, Volume 1

1492-1877

By: Thomas S. Kidd

Narrated by: Craig Hinkle

American History, Volume 1 surveys the broad sweep of American history from the first Native American societies to the end of the Reconstruction period, following the Civil War. Drawing on a deep range of research and years of classroom teaching experience, Thomas S. Kidd offers students an engaging overview of the first half of American history. The volume features illuminating stories of people from well known presidents and generals, to lesser-known men and women who struggled under slavery and other forms of oppression to make their place in American life. The role of Christianity in America is central in this book. Americans’ faith sometimes inspired awakenings and the search for an equitable society, but at other times, it justified violence and inequality. Students will come away from American History, Volume 1 better prepared to grapple with the challenges presented by the history of America’s founding, the problem of slavery, and our nation’s political tradition.

©2021 Thomas S. Kidd (P)2021 B&H Publishing

Surprisingly good

I was pleasantly surprised to learn in the preface that the author gives special attention to the religious history of the country, an area of study often neglected in similar works. The author moves quickly through important events, as is necessary, but provides enough detail to point the way to further exploration. The writing style is simple and straightforward. Overall, a very good experience.

narration ugh

I have tried and tried again to listen to this but he has absolutely no difference in speech variation. how can someone listen to someone who has the same constant output and moves along too quickly?

Great book

Learned a few things I didn’t know about U.S. history. Very interesting and informative. Good book

American history warts and all from a Christian perspective.

American history warts and all from a Christian perspective. Hard to stomach but worth the effort.

General Overview

This is almost a brief reading of the timeline of events, especially the section related to the civil war. The pre revolution years were handled with a little more care and depth.

balanced history by talented writer

Every person telling history has a choice to make. Either they will start with their own biased narratives and then find historical evidence to "prove" it, or they will look through the historical record and try to faithfully summarize the key events and attitudes that shaped this nation. Unfortunately there are too many revisionists claiming to teach "history;" thankfully Thomas Kidd is not one of those revisionists.

Too much of an agenda

The author has a religions background, which is fine. But it peppers the book with stuff like "the Enlightenment is an anti-religious term." If you're looking for talking points on how religious people were amazing, this is your book. If you wanted a more encylopedic approach, look elsewhere.

Engaging

Really interesting. Reading history with Kidd's perspective has enriched and deepened my awareness of facts.

The story of religious change and growth and its consequences in the development of the United States and the people within.

A detailed and well-performed book about the United States development, the history and people of the period. The author writes from the perspective of a Christian, of which I am as well. His account may have more details and narrative surrounding the growth of denominations and the importance of Christianity in our nations development. Regardless of your views, I believe most will find it very interesting. However, I would understand how some would be surprised by the preponderance of Christian themes throughout this account. Much enjoyed.

Distracting amount of Christianity

There is an absurd amount of Christianity in both of these volumes. Try a different history book.