A History of the American People: The Classic Narrative History of the United States told through Letters, Diaries, and Conversations

"As majestic in its scope as the country it celebrates. [Johnson's] theme is the men and women, prominent and unknown, whose energy, vision, courage and confidence shaped a great nation. It is a compelling antidote to those who regard the future with pessimism."— Henry A. Kissinger

Paul Johnson's prize-winning classic, A History of the American People , is an in-depth portrait of the American people and a landmark of narrative U.S. history, covering every aspect of the nation—from politics to the arts.

"The creation of the United States of America is the greatest of all human adventures," begins Paul Johnson's remarkable work. "No other national story holds such tremendous lessons, for the American people themselves and for the rest of mankind."

In A History of the American People , historian Johnson presents an in-depth portrait of United States history from the first colonial settlements to the Clinton administration. This is the story of the men and women who shaped and led the nation and the ordinary people who collectively created its unique character. Littered with letters, diaries, and recorded conversations, this comprehensive history details the origins of their struggles for independence and nationhood, their heroic efforts and sacrifices to deal with the 'organic sin’ of slavery and the preservation of the Union to its explosive economic growth and emergence as a world power. Johnson discusses contemporary topics such as the politics of racism, education, the power of the press, political correctness, the growth of litigation, and the influence of women throughout history.

Sometimes controversial and always provocative, A History of the American People is one author’s challenging and unique interpretation of the complete American story. Johnson’s views of individuals, events, themes, and issues are original, critical, and in the end admiring, for he is, above all, a strong believer in the history and the destiny of the American people.

This comprehensive history offers a challenging and unique interpretation of the American story, exploring:

A Sweeping Narrative: Follow the journey of the American people from the first colonial settlements to the modern era, told through the letters, diaries, and conversations of those who lived it. From Colony to Superpower: Chart the nation’s struggles for independence, its grappling with the ‘organic sin’ of slavery, and its explosive economic growth to become a world power. The People's Story: Meet the men and women, both prominent and unknown, whose vision, courage, and confidence collectively created the unique character of the nation. Provocative Analysis: Delve into a challenging and unique interpretation of America’s past, tackling controversial topics like racism, political correctness, and the power of the press.