[.ca] To America: Personal Reflections of an Historian (ISBN 0743252128)

From Amazon.com:
"I am a storyteller by training and inclination," writes the late Stephen Ambrose in To America, his final book. And what a storyteller. One of the most respected and popular historians of his era, Ambrose had a passion for making the events of the past both relevant and entertaining. In these pages, he touches on many of the subjects that he devoted his career to, including presidents Eisenhower and Nixon, the journey of Lewis and Clark, the building of the transcontinental railroad, and the citizen soldiers of World War II. He also writes about his own personal story and his role as a historian. In detailing a family camping trip to Wounded Knee (an outing which directly led to his dual biography of Crazy Horse and George Armstrong Custer) or offering tips on vivid historical writing (keep your narration in chronological order; keep the reader guessing; and never use the passive voice), he shares what it is like to reflect upon the triumphs and mistakes of the past and why it is so important to pass those stories on to the next generation. In this brief yet satisfying book, Ambrose moves seamlessly from one topic to the next with contagious enthusiasm and unapologetic optimism. Along the way he points out the inherent absurdity of political correctness, and even takes himself to task for past biases and for sometimes failing to consider his subjects within the context of their own times and not his own. He does not shy away from writing about America's sins, both past and present, but Ambrose's undying faith in his country and his fellow citizens is inspiring. --Shawn Carkonen

Not his greatest - I liked him less afterward:
As a reader of many of Stephen Ambrose's books I find it painful to speak negatively about his work in this one, however I would be less than honest to say this is a great book. Much of the first part of the book is taken up with historian Ambrose talking about historical figures he used to be more critical of, but now in his more enlighted stage of life he is willing to overlook their warts and see the good they did or at least tried to do. This type of thinking is common perhaps more common at the end of life when we try to place a more charitable spin on other's actions, but what a shame he felt not the need to soften and reasses his first wife's life and death by suicide. Instead he barely mentions her death and dismisses it by saying she was depressive. He shares his personal views, views in some cases markedly out of character with the men whose valor and principles he has become a household name writing about. I felt a vauge sense of disappointment that he was not cut out of the same cloth and was instead self-absorbed, disrespectful and callow. His facts are not always straight and his personal forthrightness highly questionable. He engages in Clintonian type non-denial-denials such as asserting I was not fired and then allowing although the univerisity let it be known they would be much happier if I would find other employment. Technically it is true, but when presented as a non-firing becomes a lie. When your employer tells you to leave you are fired even if the words are not used, and half truths are the very worst trait a historian can possess. I am sorry I read this book not because it is bad, indeed much is good and enlightening especiall the section on Nixion. No I am sorry I read it for what it told me about the writer. Sorry I like the author less. Most of all sorry he didn't quit while he was ahead.

His Final Lecture - Read and Appreciate:
A summary of events and important people in American history from the beginning of our independence to the present century, Stephen E. Ambrose takes us on a journey of enlightenment from his perspective, allowing us to form our own opinions while eagerly reading his. Part autobiographical, he shares his personal history and the love and support from his wife and five children. They researched together, spent vacations in the west exploring the Lewis and Clark trail, and respected one another. How refreshing. As the title aptly reads, Personal Reflections of an Historian, the reader is captivated by his unique stories which include his long association with Dwight Eisenhower whom he reveres as the brightest and wisest leader of the past century; his part in establishing a World War II National D Day Museum in New Orleans; his encounter with a German officer; a thrilling description of the Battle of New Orleans; his research on Richard Nixon; the war in Vietnam, and many many more insightful chapters on various subjects. Every chapter of this book for Americans is worthy of our reading time so that we too, can form our own opinions concerning each subject. It should be required reading as an overview of our country with its movers and shakers, heroes and villians, mistakes and progress, for all our leaders - the president included! I was impressed by the fact that this worthy historian is unashamed to admit his own bias in some cases and how he eventually changes his thinking as he makes new discoveries. He compares a number of presidents and their leadership, as well as taking us to the battlefields with America's brave fighting men. Thanks to this author and his numerous books, and to Tom Brokaw, we will not be allowed to forget the price paid by the veterans in all our wars. Wonderful stories, interesting reflections from a well-educated professor and historian, and a great book for a discussion group. Read and enjoy!

America's Historian:
Stephen Ambrose was truly America's Historian for the second half of the 20th Century. This is a beautiful goodbye from a good friend who will be missed greatly. Treat yourself.

Amateurish:
Ho-Hum, not his best by any means. I found his sick sexual comments distracting, added nothing and below that of someone with his credentials.

A great final ending:
When I bought this book, I really had little expectation that I'd like it. It sat on the shelf for weeks, then I happened to pick it up and randomly selected the chapter on Nixon. What I found was a writing style that was unlike the author's previous books. What you'll find here is much like sitting down in your living room and having a great discussion with Ambrose about history in general. Generally, each chapter takes on a certain time period, event, or person- then he discusses some of his personal experiences and opinions about the subject. A few of the facts could be debated, as well as the smoothness and style of the writing- but nonetheless the book was captivating. There's no doubt in my mind that the author knew this was going to be his last book. I believe you'll find much interest in reading about how he did his research as well as his confessions about things that he used to teach or write that he knows now to be untrue. Pick up the book and read a chapter at a time. If you find one that you don't like, then skip to the next. When you finish the book, I believe that you'll agree that most-if not all- chapters were written in an honest and highly entertaining style.