Book review: America The Story of Us: An Illustrated History

(Cannonball) America The Story of Us: An Illustrated History is a new book that supplements the very popular History Channel mini-series that received so much praise earlier this year with its sweeping overview of the American story. The TV series and resultant book follows the development of the United States from the earliest colonial settlements and exploration through the traumatic 19th century that saw the fledgling country grow dramatically in size, scope, and international prestige, while also surviving a catastrophic Civil War that threatened to undo all of the gains of the early part of the century. Coverage of the 20th century is superb, with outstanding photography and descriptions of many of the key events that molded and shaped America into the country she is today. Continued