Continuing the biographical approach to teaching history found in his Stories of Great Americans for Little Americans, Eggleston draws a more in-depth picture of the development of the United States using the stories of the living and breathing Americans who made it all happen.

A primer relating many interesting episodes in United States history. Ease of reading is enhanced with a controlled vocabulary and short sentences; many words are divided into syllables to help readers sound out unfamiliar words.

This book tackles the messy details, reclaims disregarded heroes, and sets the record straight. It also explains why July 4th isn't really Independence Day.

Criticizes the way history is presented in current textbooks, and suggests a more accurate approach to teaching American history.

Bill Kauffman, described by the Washington Post as having the pleasantly wicked touch of H.L. Mencken, examines the cultural factors and political schisms of 20th-century American nationalism. He weaves a fascinating tale that links Sinclair Lewis to NAFTA, 'The Best Years of Our Lives' to Ross Perot, and the Old Right to the New Left. He discusses the Perot phenomenon, the presidential campaign and the influence of Pat Buchanan, the impact of free trade agreements, the film industry of the 1930s, and a fascinating cast of characters and causes in what is sure to be controversial reading.As Gore Vidal notes in his foreword, By studying our history [Kauffman] has latched on to some interesting facts (as opposed to opinions) that completely turn inside out the tedious liberal versus conservative debate, or grunting contest.. . . just the sort of wake-up call needed for anyone in search of a better understanding of the richly complex roots of the contemporary America First movement. -For the People News ReporterBill Kauffman deserves much credit for the good he has done in revising some of the cliches . . . dominating the media . . .[that] have distorted our sense of American history. . . . Kauffman has made an important and very readable contribution. -Chronicles. . . a highly relavant and readable book from start to finish. -The Freeman. . . some of the most enjoyable and fascinating reading [to be found]. . . . If you read only one political history book, here it is. -Booklist. . . perceptive and nearly always provocative. -The Tragedy of American Isolationism