Unsolved Mysteries of American History

An Eye-Opening Journey through 500 Years of Discoveries, Disappearances, and Baffling Events

By: Paul Aron

Narrated by: Kurt Elftmann

Did Leif Ericsson beat Columbus to America? What happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke? Did Pocahontas really save John Smith? Did Davy Crockett die at the Alamo? What really happened to Amelia Earhart, and was she a spy? Who killed JFK?

Unsolved Mysteries of American History re-creates the most mystifying events of our past, following some of our greatest historians as they search for the elusive answers. Spanning more than five centuries - from Leif Ericsson and Columbus through Watergate and Iran-Contra - Aron makes sense of all the latest discoveries and speculations. Here is everything you could ever want from a detective story: dramatic twists and turns, intellectual challenges, frustrating dead-ends, murderous mayhem, and thrilling espionage.

©1997 Paul Aron (P)2013 Tantor Audio

I wanted a little more

Unsolved Mysteries of American History is an engaging and entertaining read that provides a broad overview of some of the most intriguing and baffling events from America's past. The book serves as a light introduction to a variety of historical mysteries, ranging from disappearances to unsolved crimes, offering a fascinating glimpse into the unknown aspects of American history.

The writing is accessible, and each chapter gives a quick, digestible recap of the mystery it covers. For those who are new to these historical enigmas, it offers a solid starting point to pique curiosity. The author does an excellent job of presenting these stories in an easily digestible format, making it a good fit for casual readers looking for a bit of historical intrigue.

That said, the depth of analysis is somewhat lacking. While Philbrick presents various theories and possible solutions to each mystery, he only skims the surface without delving into more substantial or detailed exploration. For those hoping for deeper insights or more concrete answers, this book may feel more like a sampler platter than a comprehensive investigation. The suggestions for solving the mysteries are often speculative, and while they provide food for thought, they don’t provide enough evidence to feel like definitive conclusions.

If you're a history enthusiast looking for definitive answers to some of the nation's most puzzling events, you may be disappointed. There's no "smoking gun" here, no shocking revelations, and no conclusions that definitively explain any of the mysteries presented. Instead, the book is best enjoyed as a light, entertaining collection of historical anecdotes. The casual reader will appreciate the storytelling and the general overviews, but those seeking a more in-depth analysis will likely feel unsatisfied.

Overall, Unsolved Mysteries of American History is a fun, short read that introduces some captivating historical puzzles but falls short of offering any new or deeply satisfying insights. It’s perfect for a breezy, intriguing journey through history for those who enjoy quick, bite-sized stories of the past.

Linus loves Cheerios!

Narrative was good. interesting topics. I would recommend this book. very entertaining. thank u bye

Deeply Flawed

Too simplistic. Too many details and too much evidence for many of these subjects is overlooked or glossed over, and little to no support is given for many of the author’s conclusions. Not recommended.