"A highly readable chronology...one of those rare books that readers
will enjoy having close at hand." --Tulsa World
For some, patriotism means flags and parades, for others it's "my
country right or wrong." But it's much more than that, and, as Alan
Alexrod observes in this revealing review of our history, true
patriotism is built on a bedrock of understanding--of who we are as
individuals and as a nation, of how our ideals and our democracy have
evolved, and of what it really means to be an American. It's a challenge
that calls for an open mind and a clear perspective on the people,
events, and issues that shaped our society--precisely what Alexrod
provides.
Just released in paperback, this popular chronology of key events in our
history sweeps from 45,000 B.C., when the first intrepid Asians crossed
the Bering Land Bridge, to the 21st century, which finds us the richest
and most powerful nation in the world. This panoramic journey is marked
out by more than 1,000 milestones and turning points, each explained in
concise, lively detail. Axelrod has a wonderful knack for capturing
powerful ideas, towering figures, and definitive moments with a
memorable turn of phrase. From Plymouth Rock to Pearl Harbor, from the
Civil War to the Civil Rights movement, from George Washington to George
W. Bush, we learn what happened, who was involved, and why it's
important. And as we journey from past to present, we discover the real
answer to the question: What is a patriot?
