Download Best Sellers Audiobooks in History, American

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Title: Global West, American Frontier: Travel, Empire, and Exceptionalism from Manifest Destiny to the Great Depression

Subtitle: Calvin P. Horn Lectures in Western History and Culture Series

Author: David M. Wrobel

Narrator: Kirk O. Winkler

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-11-16

Publisher: University Press Audiobooks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: History, American

Publisher's Summary:

This thoughtful examination of a century of travel writing about the American West overturns a variety of popular and academic stereotypes. Looking at both European and American travelers' accounts of the West, from de Tocqueville's Democracy in America to William Least Heat-Moon's Blue Highways, David Wrobel offers a counternarrative to the nation's romantic entanglement with its Western past and suggests the importance of some long-overlooked authors, lively and perceptive witnesses to our history who deserve new attention. Although in recent decades Western historians have paid little attention to travel writing, Wrobel demonstrates that this genre in fact offers an important and rich understanding of the American West - one that extends and complicates a simple reading of the West that promotes the notions of manifest Destiny or American exceptionalism. His book is a testament to the instructive ways in which the best travel writers have represented the West.

Winner of the Western Heritage Award from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. The book is published by University of New Mexico Press.

Critic Reviews:

"An exceptionally well-researched history, Wrobel's book offers enjoyable reading about the numerous and varied travel writers who shaped our idea of the West." (

True West)

"It is meticulously researched, sweeping in its geographic scope, and very well written." (

Journal of Arizona History)

"Elegantly written and fully persuasive in getting us to view the West in new ways." (

Montana The Magazine of Western History)

Members Reviews:

Interesting

Not something for a casual listener, rather for someone interested in History and particularly American expansion.

Well written/read. I noticed some repetition, but it didnt detract from the subject matter.

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Title: Deadly Voyage

Subtitle: The S.S. Daniel J. Morrell Tragedy

Author: Andrew Kantar

Narrator: Todd Curless

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-07-16

Publisher: University Press Audiobooks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: History, American

Publisher's Summary:

This is the harrowing story of one of the worst shipwrecks in Great Lakes history. In the early morning hours of November 29, 1966, the SS Daniel J. Morrell was caught in a deadly storm on Lake Huron. Waves higher than the ship crested over it, and winds exceeding 60 miles per hour whipped at its hull, splitting the 603-foot freighter into two giant pieces. Amazingly, after the bow went down, the stern blindly powered itself through the stormy seas for another five miles! Twenty-eight men drowned in the icy waters of Lake Huron, but one sailor - 26-year-old Dennis Hale - miraculously survived the treacherous storm. Wearing only boxer shorts, a lifejacket, and a pea coat, Hale clung to a life raft in near-freezing temperatures for 38 hours until he was rescued late in the afternoon of the following day. Three of his fellow crewmates died in his raft.

In Deadly Voyage, Andrew Kantar recounts this tale of tragedy and triumph on Lake Huron. Informed by meticulous research and the eyewitness details provided by Hale, Kantar depicts one of the most tragic shipwrecks in Great Lakes history.

The book is published by Michigan State University Press.

Critic Reviews:

"In Deadly Voyage, Andrew Kantar takes his reader through a tale that is, in turns, harrowing, tragic, frustrating, uplifting, suspenseful, and, ultimately, historically important. This book is a vital addition to any collection of Great Lakes maritime books. (Michael Schumacher, author of Mighty Fitz and Wreck of the Carl D.)

"While reading Mr. Kantar's book, I reflected on my life. I thought of all the hardships that I faced in my childhood and adult life. Although my life was rough, I think it taught me a lesson that helped me survive the sinking. One thing I learned was to never ever, for one moment, give up. (Dennis Hale, sole survivor of the sinking of the S.S. Daniel J. Morrell)

Members Reviews:

Five Stars

Very good book. Delivered on time . Thanks

Good quality book

Was received quick....looks like good quality book. It is a gift, so I can't speak of the content.

Highly Recommend

Excellent reading!

Very fulfilling book.

This is as well-written and informative a book on the subject as is possible, displays the sometimes forgotten power of the Great Lakes and the guts it took to sail them; a great read, but sad, sad, sad.

Interesting read

Good book. I have always been fascinated with historical disasters. I had not heard of this one, so I really enjoyed reading about it.

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Title: Great Speeches by the Presidents of the United States, Vol. 1

Author: SpeechWorks

Narrator: Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson

Format: Original Recording

Length: 10 hrs and 16 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-11-15

Publisher: SoundWorks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: History, American

Publisher's Summary:

A day that will live in infamy.... Nothing to fear but fear itself.... Ask not what your country can do for you.... Ich bin ein Berliner.... Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.

From Franklin Delano Roosevelt to Barack Obama, this collection features original speeches by the presidents of the United States.

These are actual historic recordings. The sound quality represents the available audio technology of the era and varies by recording.

Members Reviews:

inspiring, it helped to understand my parents

how hearing many of speeches my parents heard and how it shaped their political opinions

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Title: Fort Worth: A Texas Original! (Fred Rider Cotten Popular History Series)

Subtitle: Fred Rider Cotten Popular History Series

Author: Richard F. Selcer

Narrator: Charles Henderson Norman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-11-15

Publisher: Texas State Historical Assn

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: History, American

Publisher's Summary:

Fort Worth has been called The City Where the West Begins, Cowtown, and the silent partner in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. None of these descriptions quite tells the story of this city and its people. Since its founding in the mid nineteenth-century as a military outpost, Fort Worth has gone through many phases - cattle, oil, aviation, and tourist. The little village on the Trinity has grown up to become a global city that is a melting pot of economic forces and diverse cultures.

At its most basic, Fort Worth's history is the story of leadership, of how men and women of vision built a flourishing community at a river crossing on the north Texas plains. Through troubled times - the 1850s, the Civil War, the 1930s, the 1970s - the leadership kept its eye on the future. The city pulled itself through the down times - and put itself on the map - by visionary projects like the railroad, the Spring Palace, the Stockyards, Camp Bowie, the Bomber Plant, and Sundance Square. This book helps to put a modern face on Fort Worth, move it out of the shadow of Dallas, and place it firmly in the twenty-first century.

Members Reviews:

Loved This History of My Hometown

"Fort Worth" was such a terrific listen. I learned about some of the older history of my hometown that I didn't know. My family goes back several gens in this area. There were many firsts, many fails, and many lessons learned but Ft. Worth has come a long way baby. The city is a gem. It has everything and this audiobook covers much of it.

I love the Stockyards and it hasn't changed much. It's a historical district and has become pretty attractive for tourism. There is literally everything to do there. I think this is a must listen to for anyone interested in history, old west history, Texas history, Ft. Worth history or just to learn about one of the most resilient cities on the map. Such great work by Richard F. Selcer. I hope he does more books like this one. I would be interested in other cities histories as well but this one is home.

I especially enjoyed Charles Henderson Norman's narration of this audiobook. He speaks clearly, keeps a perfect pace, and has a nice tone and quality in his voice. A really, really great job.

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

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Title: The Real Story of the USS Johnston DD-821

Subtitle: As Told by the Officers and Sailors Who Served Aboard Her

Author: George A Sites

Narrator: CAPT Kevin F. Spalding USNR-Ret

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 27 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-03-15

Publisher: George Sites

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 12 votes

Genres: History, American

Publisher's Summary:

A compilation of real stories told by more than 90 former officers and sailors who served aboard the USS Johnston DD-821. The stories are in each sailor's or officer's own words. It includes stories from commissioning to decommissioning plus WWII, Korean War, Vietnam, and the cold war. A must-hear for any former destroyer sailor or officer, or anyone simply interested in US naval history.

Members Reviews:

Life on the open seas during the cold war

If you could sum up The Real Story of the USS Johnston DD-821 in three words, what would they be?

Real salior stories.

What other book might you compare The Real Story of the USS Johnston DD-821 to and why?

I would compare it to George's earlier titles Combat Veterans. As it compiles a series of stories compiled directly from the men and women from all standings who were abord the ship.

What about CAPT Kevin F. Spalding USNR-Rets performance did you like?

I have listened to Keven narrate 3 books in total now, all military based and his style and tone suites these books perfectly in my opinion, his voice certainlt gives weight to the stories.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The Sea Guardian

Any additional comments?

I found this book very enjoyable. There were a lot of small facts and interesting points given by the men who shared their stories abord the USS Johnston which gave a good sense of the everyday life serving abord the ship, from the cooks' mess to the C.O.

*I received this book for free in return for an honest review.

Great Read For Any Navy Vet

If you could sum up The Real Story of the USS Johnston DD-821 in three words, what would they be?

Brought Back A Lot Old Memories Being A Navy Vet Myself

Who was your favorite character and why?

ALL

Which character as performed by CAPT Kevin F. Spalding USNR-Ret was your favorite?

ALL

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

None

Any additional comments?

Enjoyed Listening To It Very Much

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

Great Stories

Any additional comments?

Kevin Spalding brings to life the stories of the crew of the USS Johnston, and gathered by George Sites. Together they give you a glimpse in time of the life of a Navy ship. They capture the life of a Sailor through his own eyes, regardless of decade or rank, and really gives you a true appreciation for the men that stood the watch day in and day out for our country. I was particularly taken with the stories of the USS Johnston and crew during World War II, and felt like I was really there listening to Kevin Spalding recount the narrative offered by the surviving crew member.

USS Johnston, Great story and entertainment

Where does The Real Story of the USS Johnston DD-821 rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Each genre is different and this is one of the best military books I have listened to. It had great detail with a personal touch on each of the stories.

What did you like best about this story?

Having the sailors tell their most interesting stories added a very personal touch. It was more than just historical information.

What about CAPT Kevin F.

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Title: Austin: A History of the Capital City

Subtitle: Fred Rider Cotten Popular History

Author: David C. Humphrey

Narrator: Chris Hendrie

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-10-15

Publisher: Texas State Historical Assn

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: History, American

Publisher's Summary:

Called by Sam Houston at its founding "the most unfortunate site upon Earth for the seat of government", the infant community struggled for three decades against political enemies and competing towns before winning recognition as the permanent capital. The founding of the University of Texas turned the seat of politics into the seat of education, but Austin's 19th-century dreams of becoming a river port and a factory town came to naught.

A slave city in a slave state, Austin cast its lot with the Confederacy. Retaining a frontier flavor into the 1890s, post-Civil War Austin became the headquarters of the Texas gambling fraternity and a "magnet for cowmen seeking booze and women of the night."

Turning the 19th-century frontier town into an appealing 20th-century residential community taxed the energies of civic leaders for several decades. Virtually parkless and with no paved streets in 1900, Austin by the 1940s boasted tree-lined boulevards, a cornucopia of parks and pools, and a leisurely lifestyle. But for African American residents these were years of oppressive segregation. Mexicans encountered similar treatment as Austin became a tri-ethnic community during the 1920s and 1930s.

Segregation gradually gave way in a divisive but nonviolent struggle. While adjusting to this, Austin experienced eye-popping expansion. Fearful that Austin would become "another Houston", residents sought to preserve the lifestyle that had made the capital city such an attractive place to live.

Members Reviews:

Too many typos

Seems like it might be an enjoyable book, but you can hardly read it for the typos. The word "the" is spelled "lithe" on the first page and there are two additional words with incorrect embedded hyphens. Clearly, somebody threw the Kindle edition together on the fly and didn't even bother to read the first page.

Amazon: why do you let publishers get away with such lousy Kindle versinos? It's your platform, how about defending your users a little bit, OK?

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Title: Jamestown

Subtitle: The History and Legacy of England's First Permanent American Settlement

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Kadee Coppinger

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-29-15

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Ratings: 2 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: History, American

Publisher's Summary:

"When you send againe I entreat you rather send but 30 Carpenters, husbandmen, gardiners, fishermen, blacksmiths, masons, and diggers up of trees, roots, well provided; than 1,000 of such as wee have: for except wee be able both to lodge them and feed them, the most will consume with want of necessaries before they can be made good for anything." (John Smith)

John Smith is one of the most common names in the English language and akin to the use of John Doe, but every Briton and American is familiar with the explorer and mercenary Captain John Smith, who helped found the first permanent English colony in the New World, at Jamestown, in 1607.

Jamestown is fondly remembered today for being the first permanent English settlement in the colonies, but it was not fondly remembered by those who lived and died there. The English quickly learned it would be difficult to establish a permanent settlement because of the poor weather, the swampy terrain, the hostile natives living nearby, and the general inexperience and ineptitude of the English settlers. Everyone nearly starved during their first winter, and more than half of the settlers died. By the end of the winter of 1609-1610, known as the "starving time", barely 10% of the settlers were still alive. Nevertheless, Jamestown is remembered today because the settlement did survive through the hardships and went on to serve as the capital of the English colony for much of the 17th century.

At the same time, one of the biggest reasons for its survival and fame today can be attributed to the local Native Americans, particularly Pocahontas, who has added both a human and romanticized, mythological element to Jamestown.

Members Reviews:

Short and to the point

A quick read. You will be reminded of the history of the first "English " settlement in North America, and may learn a tidbit or two you either did not know or had forgotten.

Good quick read

The Charles River editors books, like this one, are good amounts of a concise description of history. A good amount of unbiased information too.

Rediscover Jamestown

Interesting and short synopsis of how and when Jamestown, Virginia was settled. Read how the first successful English colony came into being.

Interesting book. I enjoy that I can go back anytime and take up where I left off.

I enjoy the historical information in this book. It is a new look at American History and I find it quite interesting but have not finished reading it yet.

really a short read

Very quick summary and overview. Great for a starter or refresher. This book is well resourced and disproves some of the old Capt Smith myths.

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Title: Dark Places of the Earth

Subtitle: The Voyage of the Slave Ship Antelope

Author: Jonathan Bryant

Narrator: Tom Zingarelli

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-13-15

Publisher: HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: History, American

Publisher's Summary:

In 1820 the slave ship Antelope was captured off the Florida coast. Though the slave trade was prohibited, slavery was still legal in half of the United States, and it was left to the Supreme Court to determine whether the nearly 300 Africans onboard were considered slaves - and if so, to whom they belonged. Mining untapped archives, Jonathan M. Bryant recounts the Antelope's fraught journey across the Atlantic, leading up to the momentous courtroom battle of 1825 that defined the moral and legal implications of slavery for a generation and was enormously influential in the Amistad trial. From Havana ports to the West African coast, from Georgia plantations to a Liberian settlement, Dark Places of the Earth creates a multidimensional portrait of the global slave trade. Bryant's work restores the Antelope to its rightful place as one of the most shocking and unjustly forgotten episodes in American legal history.

Critic Reviews:

"Dark Places of the Earth is a meticulously researched scholarly history that packs an emotional punch. Jonathan M. Bryant writes smoothly and unhurriedly in language fully accessible to the general reader. He relates the story behind a complicated and momentous case before the US Supreme Court, filling it with human interest and suspense. His sensitive characterizations of the actors in his narrative - pirates, lawyers, politicians, judges, and slaves - are worthy of a novel." (Daniel Walker Howe, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848)

"With exhaustive research and in-depth analysis, Jonathan Bryant sheds new and revealing light on a dark chapter in the history of American slavery, and on a Supreme Court decision that, despite its faults, deserves to be better known." (Brian McGinty, author of Lincolns Greatest Case)

"In this fascinating and engagingly written study, Jonathan M. Bryant illuminates a largely forgotten - but highly significant - episode in American legal history. Based on prodigious and meticulous research, Dark Places of the Earth will appeal to general readers and scholars alike. An important, original book." (Douglas R. Egerton, author of The Wars of Reconstruction: The Brief, Violent History of Americas Most Progressive Era)

Contact me for any questions: [email protected]

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Title: The Lincoln-Douglas Debates

Subtitle: The History and Legacy of America's Most Famous Debates

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Matt. Butcher

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-30-15

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: History, American

Publisher's Summary:

" I hold that New York had as much right to abolish slavery as Virginia has to continue it, and that each and every state of this union is a sovereign power, with the right to do as it pleases upon this question of slavery, and upon all its domestic institutions." (Stephen Douglas)

"This declared indifference, but, as I must think, covert real zeal for the spread of slavery, I cannot but hate. I hate it because of the monstrous injustice of slavery itself. I hate it...especially because it forces so many really good men amongst ourselves into an open war with the very fundamental principles of civil liberty- criticizing the Declaration of Independence, and insisting that there is no right principle of action but self-interest." (Abraham Lincoln)

The most famous debates in American history were held over 150 years ago, and despite their fame, no official transcripts were ever taken. Throughout the fall of 1858, US Senate candidates Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas participated in seven three-hour debates throughout Illinois. This unprecedented method of campaigning drew national attention, one that is still often idealized, even today, among those who feel politics is too bitterly partisan.

The main theme of the debates was the topic being discussed across the nation: slavery. When Congress created the territories of Kansas and Nebraska in 1854, it allowed the citizens of those territories to vote whether the new states would be free states or slave states. This idea of allowing the citizens to vote was known as popular sovereignty, and it was championed by the little giant, Stephen Douglas.

Members Reviews:

Four Stars

Great big picture summary.

My Review of Lincoln-Douglas Debates book

I enjoyed reading the detail of the Lincoln Douglas debates. This is something I never read before. I have earlier read short excerpts of the cuts they made against each other in the debates.

I do feel that your book was too judgmental in calling Lincoln a racist. Remember this was 1858 and he was running for office. He had to be careful that he did not run the voters away from him. He was taking a moderate approach. To judge Lincoln by 21st century standards for his 19th century comments is grossly unfair. Make no mistake times were different back then.

Lincoln preserved the union and abolished slavery. These were the two greatest problems this nation has during its first century of existence. For this I still rank Lincoln number one in ratings of U S presidents.

Great read and enlightening.

It was interesting to read this and see how much we have changed. Lincoln did so many great things to ensure the equality of man under the law, but we forget about the prevalent attitude towards different races. Some of the comments are shocking, especially those from Lincoln. I recommend this to anyone who wants to get more details about the debate, but really want more information about how our country thought during this time.

A great, fast read.

I found this book to not only educational,but also very entertaining.It is a short book but still filled with information that helped me to understand the debates and also the people and the times involved.

Are we free?

Lots of interesting thoughts pro and con on slavery.

Each of us need insight. I now understand better why choices were made.

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Title: Native American Tribes: The History and Culture of the Shawnee

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Stacy Hinkle

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-29-15

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: History, American

Publisher's Summary:

Throughout the 19th century, American settlers pushing across the Western frontier came into contact with diverse American tribes, producing a series of conflicts. Indian leaders like Geronimo became feared and dreaded men in America, and Sitting Bull's victory over George Custer's Seventh Cavalry at Little Bighorn was one of the nation's most traumatic military endeavors.

Given this history, it's no surprise that the Shawnee continue to be closely associated with their most famous leader, Tecumseh, the most famous Native American of the early 19th century. While leading the Shawnee, he attempted to peacefully establish a Native American nation east of the Mississippi River in the wake of the American Revolution. Together with his brother Tenskwatawa, Tecumseh was in the process of forming a wide-ranging, Native American confederacy that they hoped would stem the westward flow of Anglo-American settlers. They wanted to essentially establish a "nation" of Native Americans that would be recognized and accepted by the advancing European-American settlers.

Even as he continues to keep the Shawnee's name in textbooks, Tecumseh actually overshadows the long and even ancient history of the Shawnee. With their cultural origins dating back nearly 3,000 years, the Shawnee had ties to the Ancient Moundbuilders tradition and lived in the same region for thousands of years, developing both a rich history and unique set of customs and beliefs. At the same time, the Shawnee themselves were never a truly unified group, even as their most famous leader set about making a Native American confederacy, so different bands of Shawnee have had different historical narratives as well.

Members Reviews:

Shameful American history

Shawnee nation, Chief Tecumseh, historical research, historical places/events, historical figures, history and culture

The extensive publisher's blurb covers much of the info in this piece. The most outspoken and respected leader of his people, Chief Tecumseh, is rightly a major portion, with many quotations including this excerpt from a 1811 speech: "Where are (several neighboring tribes), they have vanished before the oppression and avarice of the white man. Sleep no longer. Will not the bones of our dead be plowed up and their graves turned into plowed fields." The people themselves later suffered under the 1830 Indian Removal Act. This is not a study of religion and cultural practices, yet an overview of these things is included. I learned a lot.

I got this in audio format, and Stacy Hinkle did a pretty good job of pronouncing the Indian names that I am familiar with as well as maintaining voice neutrality.

History

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

This isnt bad; it just isnt as in depth as the others in the series. The most interesting part was about the migration.