THE BUCK STOPS HERE - OHP BOOK REVIEW

THE BUCKSTOPS HERE by Thomas Craughwell and Edwin Kiester, Jr.
Fair Winds Press 2010
288 pages including index

The byline of this book is “The 28 toughest Presidential decisions and how they changed the world”, which drew me to this book in the first place. I was intrigued to read what the authors declared the stories to be in the top 28, and why they made it into the book. The first chapter on the Whisky Rebellion was quite good and covered the story very well.

Ok, it’s a sale...I bought one and brought it home.

Now I must say at the beginning of this review, I love chapter books like this. It is fast paced and allows you to take 10 minutes or a whole day for a read; it’s literally up to you.

The book goes chapter by chapter building a case for their pick of top stories, telling you the beginning, middle and end of each story and how it transpired to bring about a change, not only in America but how the decisions were felt around the world. The only one to me personally that did not fit as self evident was the Whiskey Rebellion. It really does fit, but there are pains and a prehistory that must be known to put this story into one of this books byline category. In defense of my statement; or rather, in the defense of the authors (you pick); the authors did do exactly that with the introduction to the book, explaining the scenario.

The book was well researched and documented; over seventy five (75) sources; and brought the reader into the fray of the events that were happening at the time. I liked that it gave you a feel of the everyday person who had little or no knowledge of what was going on, to the turmoil and stress that the Executive Office of the President was facing, both from inside and outside the political wrangling of our country as well as the pressures outside our borders.

I had the opportunity to speak with Thomas Craughwell for an interview for Our History Project and he was a most delightful guest (released on 6-12-10). We covered two (2) chapters of this book in detail; Chapter 1 - “George Washington puts down the Whiskey Rebellion and dooms the Federalist Party” and Chapter 14 “Woodrow Wilson claims an American place at the table of the world”. His knowledge expands so much beyond this book that I look forward to more writings and projects from him.

Pick up “The Buck Stops Here”, you will not be disappointed, it is written in an quick and easy flow for the reader, while maintaining the primary and secondary sources that regardless of your level you will enjoy the read. If you looking to give this as a gift, I would recommend age 10 and up.

Craig Anderson
Our History Project

OHP Book Review - The Elementary Common Sense of Thomas Paine by Mark Wilensky

The Elementary Common Sense of Thomas Paine by Mark Wilensky
Savas Beatie,LLC - Publisher -2008
202 pages

I was not sure how I felt about this book when it arrived on my doorstep. It was about Thomas Paine’s writing of “Common Sense” which I was eager to explore and hopefully expand my understanding of Paine himself, but a whole book on the writing that would fit into modern books 30 or so pages?

What I found was an easy to understand portrait of not only the man himself but of the environment in which brought about the reasons for the writing. This book not only explores the Acts and Petitions between England and the Colonies but also the economic, social and moral aspects of times from both points of view.

Another thing I really enjoyed about the book is that it goes to great lengths to make sure you can understand the context of the writing with definitions on the same page, and it also includes tons of historical quotes by other notable characters of the time. This is meant to be an elementary book, but I would think that the grade level should be starting about fourth grade to get a good understanding of it. However Mark Wilensky has taken another step, which is rare to the aspects of historical books written for the mainstream and not educational focused publishing’s and has packed this book and corresponding website with games, audio, activities and timelines that could include almost any age or grade.

In terms of my review and the mentioning of the grades and ages that I referenced, don’t be misled this book is for anyone, young or old from eight to a hundred and eight. It should be on a shelf in every classroom and on your shelf at home as well…. Why?

Because, most of us today do not know the origins of our history, our story. Have you ever just read the Declaration of Independence, Poor Richard or Common Sense? I would bet that most have not. I could go on a tangent here but I won’t. I will in closing recommend this book whole heartedly; it’s clean concise and easy to understand. It crosses all the generational boundaries and is very interesting read. Pick up a copy, you will not be disappointed.

Craig Anderson
Our History Project
ourhistoryproject.com

OHP Radio - Colin Woodard - The Republic of Pirates

This week we are please to introduce you to Colin Woodard. Colin is here to talk about his book “The Republic of Pirates. There are a ton of facts that I bet you did not know on this subject, I didn’t. It is a great show that goes back in time to a swashbuckling high seas adventure. Join us as we explore not only the Pirate culture itself, but those legendary characters that made our visions of pirates today what it is. You will also be surprised at how short of time the golden age of the pirates was that still gives us this vision even today. For a full Biography on Colin Woodard please visit his website http://www.colinwoodard.com/ and his book The Republic of Pirates can be found on Amazon.

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OHP - 07-25-09 - Eric Hammel - The Road to Big Week

Eric Hammel makes his first appearance on Our History Project. Folks, Eric has over 30 titles to his credit and he writes about it all. A true student of history, Eric has written about World War 2, Korea and Vietnam. Eric is a wealth of knowledge as he has interview literally hundreds of people who were there to learn and write about those experiences.

Eric is also a fun loving guy and if you know us, that is what we enjoy the most History and Fun. This week among other things we will talk to Eric about his upcoming book “Road to Big Week” The Struggle for Daylight Air Supremacy over Western Europe. See more about this book from Eric’s website http://www.erichammelbooks.com/news.php .

Lenght: 57 Minutes

Size: 19.5 MB

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OUR HISTORY PROJECT BOOK REVIEW -WOMEN WHO FLY: by Lynn M. Homan and Thomas Rielly, Illustrated by Rosalie M. Sheperd

WOMEN WHO FLY: by Lynn M. Homan and Thomas Rielly, Illustrated by Rosalie M. Sheperd
Pelican Publishing, 103 pages

I need to start this review with a story - Until I was about 35 I never really gave thought to the view of women in our society. It was not until a car buying venture with my wife that it became apparent to me. See, “she” wanted a new vehicle and we went looking. I noticed that all the salesmen would address me and really ignore her. Why? It’s going to her car or van, why talk to me? The second time that happened that day a frankly told the salesman, “I’m not the one you need to talk to.” With that I shrank into the background as much as possible and forced the issue of them dealing with her. She is smart, knew what see was looking for and could ask the questions about features important to her.

Fast forward several years and I now have two daughters, and I tell them; just like all the generations before; you can do anything you put your mind to. I actively seek out inspirations, books and stories so that they will have a grounded background and build on the confidence of those women who came before them.

Now the review – This book is a Juvenile Nonfiction Book and is also part of the Accelerated Reader Program Books. Let me say right now - Do not let this stop you from picking this book up! It is a wonderful, inspiring and historical read. The determination of these early women flyers are a lost treasure of our history. We all grew up knowing Amelia Earhart, right. Who does not know that name.

What about Ruth Law? Harriett Qumiby? Matilda Moisant? Blanch Stuart Scott? Julia Clark? And a whole pack of women that made a difference that I bet you have never heard of. This book is a chronical of them all. Their determination to do what they wanted in a time that women were supposed to be at home, there since of pride in their accomplishments and unknown to some of them the doors that they opened for generations to come. Not in great giant steps but small steps, but fighting every step of the way.

I could literally go on and on, but I will end in saying that this is a must read for any and everybody. The stories and the history of women in early aviation is a grand adventure.

Craig Anderson
Our History Project

Our History Project – “In the Dirt with American Digger” – Getting Started in Metal Detecting: The Beginners Guide

This week we on Our History Project’s “In the Dirt with American Digger” segment we host what you would call the Beginners Guide to the Hobby of Metal Detecting. From the stores, to the machines, to the places to hunt. The contacts, groups, strategies and more, it’s all here.

So if you have ever had the question asked of you your asked just to yourself – “What do you find with that thing?” Or better yet –“How do I get me one?” Then this show is for them - or you.

Our History Project is Nonprofit and open sourced, we promote Preservation and Education of our history, and as I have always said – “That starts with you!” – and in this show we will tell you how.

If you would like this show hosted by a player on your site or your business site send me an email and I will supply the code, it’s free. It will put a player on your page just like we have on ours (nothing to install and nothing goes on your server). If you would like I can even take off the opening comments (just let me know). The main goal of this episode is to promote our hobby in a positive light and give a basic foundation on which to grow. Bringing new blood into our world of research, history and preserving artifacts can only increase our understanding of the past.

Pass this show around folks!

Lenght: 49 Min

Size: 19MB

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OHP BOOK REVIEW - THE EDUCATION OF CHAUNCEY DOOLITTLE by James Everett Kibler

by James Everett Kibler
Pelican Publishers, 282 pages

This is not a rip roaring tale of intrigue and suspense, there are no cliff hangers waiting at the end of the chapters that leave you foaming at the mouth in anticipation. However, this book will grip you and invite you to the next chapters. Which, by the way, you will gladly go without pause.

The Education of Chauncey Doolittle is a wonderful nostalgic read that blends the world of today and the world of the past together. You are invited into the inner circle of Chauncey and his friends as they debate, explore and help each other to survive in an ever changing world. This is a book as I said before not to be blown through in a hurried read, but on to actually sit back and enjoy at a pace that the book takes you.

The story centers around a way of life threatened by urban sprawl. A way of life like most of us folks who do not want to see their routine changed and forced away. It is a story of knowing your neighbor and yourself. A story of the important things in life, and no, it is not the tangibles, but it is about friends, family, fun and helping one another.

I for one have always liked those fast paced novels and usually loath the slow, but not this one. I enjoyed the pace of the book; it made me feel a part of the story. This is the third novel in the Clay Bank County Series and the first one that I have read or reviewed and this one after reading compels me in wanting to read the others.

James Everett Kibler has done a wonderful job in bringing the characters of this community to life and knits together not only the personalities but also the new and old world views of life in the fast lane or the slow lane.

A great book worthy of the read.

Craig Anderson
Our History Project
ourhistoryproject.com

OHP BOOK REVIEW: JACK HINSON’S ONE MAN WAR: A CIVIL WAR SNIPER by Tom C. McKenney

JACK HINSON’S ONE MAN WAR: A CIVIL WAR SNIPER
By Tom C. McKenney
Pelican Publishing; 394 pages


Reading the inside flaps of this book I had gotten really excited. By the description it seemed to be the combination of the movies “The Patriot”, “Outlaw Josey Whales” and the Jimmy Stewart movie “Shenandoah” rolled all into one. In a way it kind of was. All of the core events based in those movies had a place in this book.

But,

What I found was a wonderfully researched and documented lecture on the life and times of Jack Hinson. It was very detailed, which for me drew me away from the story, time and time again.

Maybe it was just me but the main character of the story seemed to get lost in the telling. For me there was too much descriptive writing that elaborated too much on the non-essential part of the story. Just to give you an idea on page 222, where Jack was saying goodbye it took 13 lines and a complete paragraph to tell that small section. The main intent I believe was to invoke emotion, however for me it had the opposite effect.

So while thinking of the review of this book I had to ask:

Was it well researched? Absolutely.

Was it historically accurate? Yes

Did it have enough supporting evidence and references? Yes

Did this book read like a dissertation? Yes

The story base is a great one and I think it would make a great movie. If you enjoy detailed oriented reading in a case study or lecture format you may like this book.

If you are a reader who prefers a flowing historical story and one that holds your attentions I would suggest looking elsewhere.

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OHP BOOK REVIEW: NEVER MACE A SKUNK BY BUTCH HOLCOMBE

Published by Greybird Publishers, 196 pages


Butch Holcombe the owner of “American Digger Magazine” and Co-Host of In “The Dirt with American Digger” every Saturday online, has not missed with this gem of a book. It is fast passed and full of information that every metal detectorist needs to know. It covers every aspect of the hobby from choosing the right machine for you use to choosing the right spot in the woods for other reasons.

So, in one since it is a how to book, on the other side of the coin, you don’t know that you’re learning anything. The information is so masterfully entwined with humor that the knowledge seeps in without you even knowing about it. Kind of like sleeping on a book, you wake up and there it is – “Instant knowledge.”

Butch Holcombe is the only one to date that has brought humor to this side of recovering the past. It is a must read, even if you don’t metal detect you will find yourself laughing just because it’s funny. This is a book for the library (either one), the rocking chair, the sharing with the kids. It truly is a no miss book. If you have someone that is hard to by for and they have a sense of humor at all you will not go wrong with this one.

The book is available online at www.americandigger.com, Amazon or a host of other retailers.

Craig Anderson
Our History Project
Ourhistoryproject.com

OHP BOOK REVIEW: LARRY GORDON: "THE LAST CONFEDERATE GENERAL: JOHN C. VAUGHN AND HIS EAST TENNESSEE CAVALRY"

“The Last Confederate General: John C. Vaughn and his East Tennessee Cavalry” by Larry Gordon

This was a very unique read from several angles and the ways it hits you, from first impression to the final page it is also unique. First I was drawn to the book by its simple and elegant cover, but upon opening it up for a glance the small type, a lot of pages and maps, it made me wonder what I was getting into.

I started the book and was surprised that I was engrossed enough not to have noticed three hours had elapse. I for one want and like stories that flow and while I am a historian, in my pleasure reading I do not want a ton of statistics thrown at me. It is supposed to be fun right?

Larry Gordon seemed to have nailed both recreational reading and historically accurate statistics in one read. For me the story flowed well and I found I could keep the story and go back later to get the statistics. It was written so that the main story was not broken or bogged down with the later. It was very simple to navigate and with the titles and topics clearly defined it was unbelievably easy to go back and study the material from an educational stand point.

The book drew me in because not only was it a fascinating story of courage, determination and self worth, but it spoke of dignity , sacrifice, love and hope as well. It tells the personal story of someone who we all aspire to be in terms of standing for what we believe and have the convictions to carry on even when it is not the popular choice.

From John C. Vaughn’s ideas of adventure when young, to his actual adventures in Mexico and California the story does not disappoint. You can see the transformation yourself in this story as the youth turns to adulthood and a very hard and rough time during combat and banishment in the later years.

Truly the Forest Gump of the Civil War John C. Vaughn was indeed everywhere and had a hand it seems in almost everything. “The Last Confederate General: John C. Vaughn and his East Tennessee Cavalry” is a fine read for anyone: Action, adventure, love, drama, war and perseverance. What more can you ask for in a book. Five stars for Larry Gordon for a job well done.

Craig Anderson
Our History Project
www.ourhistoryproject.com

To hear an interview with Larry Gordon on “The Last Confederate General: John C. Vaughn and his East Tennessee Cavalry” please go to www.ourhistoryproject.com . The book interview is on the end of show #1 The Kenan Research Library at the Atlanta History Center. It can also be found on any popular pod-hosting sites such as iTunes, Zune Marketplace, Twitter, Podbean and more.