Average customer rating:
- Indians?
- What about Influenza 1918?
- U.S. History for Dummies
- Bit Slanted Toward Popular/PC History
- An awesome book
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U.S. History for Dummies
Steve Wiegand
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CliffsTestPrep Praxis II: Social Studies Content Knowledge Test (0081) (Cliffstestprep)
ASIN: 076455249X |
Book Description
Lots of people think that learning U.S. history is a punishment. It's a subject you had to take in school. You memorized a bewildering array of dates, absorbed definitions for terms like Manifest Destiny, and wondered if America really needed two presidents named Harrison. Historical figures were presented to you as if they were characters in a junior high school costume pageant, with their blemishes airbrushed out and personalities drained away in stodgy history textbooks.
History textbooks often overlook the fascinating moments of history. They present U.S. history as something dry and distant, all events and facts, and don't focus on what is really is: The story of Americans. It's the story of people – what they thought, did, and tried to do as they struggled to build a nation.
U.S. History For Dummies is not a textbook. It focuses on people – famous, infamous, and obscure. This book gives you a basic foundation of information about the history of the United States. Students and teachers can use it as a friendly, easy-to-understand overview of U.S history, and history buffs can use it as a reference to look up important facts, to settle debates, and to store up ammunition for future conversations with a know-it-all brother-in law!
Here's just a sampling of the topics covered in U.S. History For Dummies:
- Pre-Columbus: The earliest Native Americans
- The settling of the Pilgrims and the expansion toward the West
- The American Revolution and the establishment of a new government
- How the most influential presidents governed the nation
- The Civil War and the abolishment of slavery
- The development of modern industry
- Two World Wars and a Great Depression
- America matures through tragedy: The Kennedy Assassination, the Vietnam War, and Watergate
U.S. History For Dummies also includes Top Ten lists covering the best – and worst – presidents, inventions that changed the world, and events that defined American culture.
Customer Reviews:
Indians?.......2007-08-01
This was a nice review of American history but one distraction was present throughout: Calling Native Americans "Indians." Just seems that in this time of political correctness, the author might have corrected that, especially since he uses the term African-American.
What about Influenza 1918?.......2007-01-25
While this capsule of U.S. history makes for entertaining and at times informative reading, I was very disappointed that no mention was made of the devastation reeked by the 'Spanish Lady' and its effect on the outcome of WWI. The only indirect reference I was able to find was 'American losses (from World War I) - 48,000 killed in battle, 56,000 lost to disease' makes no mention of the disease or the effect of disease on the general U.S. population. The Spanish or 'swine' flu killed 500,000 people in the U.S. in less than two years (and over 50 million world-wide). This blatant omission makes me wonder what other momentous historical events were left out of this book? Perhaps no history book exists that objectively touches on all major historical events. The only antidote would be to read extensively and critically (when studying the history of a war one can only form a less biased opinion by reading the propaganda of both sides). Thus this book is not an authoritative overview of U.S. history but just a tongue-tickling appetizer. Five stars for being an easy and entertaining read, minus three stars for leaving out critical historical events.
U.S. History for Dummies.......2006-03-03
Good Book. I is very detailed with the necessary fact about US history that I require.
Thanks
Bit Slanted Toward Popular/PC History.......2005-09-19
My only complaint is what's in the title of my review. The history here is not groundbreaking but it is more than just the standard basics. Someone with a background lacking in historical knowledge can benefit from this book, and anyone who enjoys reading about history will be at home here. Nice brush-up for those who feel they'd like to update what they know in this subject. Compacts its information well into its space and breaks it down into chapters and sub-headings so certain eras can be focused on as needed. All but the most keenly educated historian can learn something from US History For Dummies.
An awesome book.......2005-09-07
This book is very interesting. It reads like a story. You just find yourself reading along and then you realize you've learned several facts of history. The book is written very well. There is plenty of interesting trivia and little known facts. It is well worth buying the book.
Book Description
Tips on preparing for test traps
The pain-free way to review U.S. history and maximize your score
You have 60 minutes to answer (gulp) 90 questions on U.S. history, potentially covering everything from Leif Ericson to 9/11. How do you avoid a nervous breakdown and score your best? This hands-on guide delivers just what you need — a thorough review of American history, plus two complete practice tests and lots of insider tips and strategies to help you boost your score.
Discover how to
- Recognize wrong answers
- Zero in on the best answer
- Manage your time
- Minimize test-taking anxiety
- Familiarize yourself with the format
Customer Reviews:
great book, but few slight drawbacks........2007-06-25
i would definitely recommend this book for anyone taking the u.s. history subject test. the review is great, and there are helpful test questions at the end of each section to test how well you soaked in the information. the information is concise, so for crammers all the information is laid out. there are lame jokes in it, but that i guess in a way makes the text less dull. it will be hard to score well if you haven't ever covered the information presented, though i think this book does well to teach it, you'll just need invest the time and effort. like many said, the practice test are very similar to the tests. the only complaint is that there are only 2 practice tests. i would recommend this for those who are taking AP U.S. History as well since they both cover the same information.
short on time?.......2007-01-12
This book is pretty good when your short on time. I had a barrons I think or some other history test prep book the "big name" ones ( barrons kaplan princeton etc) and when you have a lot of time I mean its good to read that because they go in depth etc. However history is like a generalizations game mostly so this book gives you the major ideas and some in depth and the trends during that time so you can guess your way through the test. However I also did read like 3/4ths of the AMerican Pageant so that might've helped nonetheless i pulled a 750 and recommend this book.
A good test preparation and a great read.......2005-08-10
I have always loved history, but I never took a history course in college. The texts of the time seemed to squeeze the life and essence out of the mainstream of American life.
Thus, I approached this book with a similar attitude to that of many high school students faced with the daunting U.S. history exam for the SAT. And, reading this test preparation book, I was pleasantly surprised. The authors have combined an odds-wary approach to casting out wrong answers with a lively presentation of American life beyond the list of names and accomplishments of long dead politicians.
First, to the task at hand,. The Hatches, for years proprietors of a venerable test-preparation company, start by telling the student what to expect and what, exactly, what the test hopes to measure. From there, they begin the story of the United States, warts and all. And it starts where it should, with a chapter entitled, " We Were Here First: Before The Europeans Set Sail". Then the Norse, the Spanish, and the "latecomers" English and French. This sets the scene for the tale of the British colonists, their accomplishments and grievances. The fight for independence starts with the end of the French and Indian war and goes on to the two most important documents: the Declaration and the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights. The divisions leading to the Civil war are covered in considerable detail.
The more recent chapters deal with Reconstruction and its end, the Progressive ERA, the emergence of America as a world power after the twp World Wars, the postwar struggle against Communism, and, finally, the uneasy wars and peace of the 21st century.
So far, so good. What makes this book different is that after each topic is sufficiently discussed, the authors guess what type of questions would be generated for this particular section. In doing so, the authors start by explaining that there are always one or two completely irrelevant answers. Already you have boosted your odds by 50 percent. In other words, half the test skill is knowing what to eliminate.
But history is not only princes, presidents and potentates. A look at chapter 16 gives a good example. It ends with "The Lost Generation and American Literature". And "Jazz: A Sign of the Times", the latter mentioning that "It made unlikely stars out of African American musicians like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong at a time when racism was still deeply rooted in American society". That leads to "Crash and Burn" where the authors take you from the Great Depression to the New Deal. Of course, it begins with "Dude, What a Bummer: The Great Depression".
There is a long and detailed discussion of our entry into the world wars, and a relatively clear explanation of the much more complicated world scene after Nazism and Fascism were chased from the scene. Domestic policy and foreign policy are exhibited in parallel topics. For example, while dealing with the Cold War the authors also give a brief sketch of Communism in America. They show, for example, how the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) was a different entity from the activities of Joseph McCarthy (R-Wis. ) whose base of operations was the Senate.
The authors also deal with technology, since the Declaration of Independence coincided with James Watt's invention of the steam engine in 1776.With the railroad's influence, the Hatches note, "In February 1854 a steam engine railroad traveled from the East Coast to Rock Island, Illinois" (the Mississippi had not yet been bridged). Actually, the steam locomotive traveled several different railroads, and it was not until the emergence of standard gauge and standard time that we had a coordinated system. The Hatches return to this subject with the importance of Lincoln's idea of the transcontinental railroad, which was completed in 1869.
There is a wisecracking tone throughout the book that makes the dustiest historical facts palatable. Then, after establishing rapport with the student-examines, the Hatches, again and again, bring him back to the task at hand. What questions can he expect and how can he handle them? Because the questions are integrated with the subject matter, rather than in a separate procedural chapter at the end, the post-MTV reader is brought to focus on the main task-turn out the answers, the most appropriate answers, and take a minimum of time in getting through the questions.
Voltaire once said, "history is a pack of tricks that we play upon the dead." This book is not just a test manual, but an entertaining review of American history for those who are still a bit vague about Ronald Regan, and for whom Watergate is back in those historical shadows along with Teapot Dome. Or the assassination of Julius Caesar. It's a good test preparation and a great read.
An excellent and comprehensive guide for both AP and SATII.......2005-05-10
With a little over a week left until the AP U.S. History and the SAT II U.S. History exams, I was in dire need of a comprehensive review material that would adequately prepare me for both tests. Having tried and failed miserably studying from other publications, such as Princeton Review, I saw my friend and co-worker reading SAT II U.S. History for Dummies. She had already read a good chunk of the book, and so far, she said, the review offered had been a huge help. Convinced, I picked up a copy the same day and began to review.
My first impression was that SAT II U.S. History for Dummies is written precisely with the student in mind. Though I found myself saying no to some of the rhetorical questions asked by the authors (I had actually bought the book on my own free will, whereas the authors assume a parent had bought the book for me), I generally could sympathize with the audience the book was geared toward: motivated students who wanted above all else to succeed on the SAT II U.S. History Test. Yet, as I began to review, I found that more and more of the material also addressed what needed to be covered on the AP U.S. History Test as well. The secret? Unlike most SAT II prep books, SAT II U.S. History for Dummies provides a comprehensive review for all the major elements of American History. While the book makes an extra effort to inform the reader what the SATII will test on, it includes EVERYTHING important about America's history, from the times of European colonization to the modern era. This is where the SAT II U.S. History for Dummies book truly shines; it not only turns you into an excellent SAT II U.S. History test taker, it also turns you into an excellent U.S. History student. The book teachers the basics, but it also teaches the broad trends so that you have a better understanding of just why things happened the way they did. This knowledge can help in other realms, including Advanced Placement Exams.
Publications like the Princeton Review offer mostly strategies with very little content in them. Books like REA take the opposite approach, with overdetailed summaries of history but little methods to applying them to a standardized test. SAT II U.S. History for Dummies strikes a happy medium, it combines worthwhile test-taking advice with detailed, but certainly not excruciatingly detailed, information. The handful of practice questions and the two complete practice tests at the end of the book deliver a sufficient amount of hands-on practice so that you never feel like you're just reading an annotated version of The American Pageant, or whatever American History textbook you've become acquainted with.
What's important, the authors for SAT II U.S. History for Dummies know the SAT II test perhaps even more than ETS does. After taking the actual exam, I can safely confirm that the practice tests are of similar difficulty.
I was able to take the SAT II and the AP exams for U.S. History with relative ease thanks to the help of this book. By the end of the week, I had found that many of my peers had bought this book and were generally pleased. I can say with confidence that you will be pleased as well.
Average customer rating:
- A quick guide to the Presidents
- A Great Broad Primer of the U.S. Presidents
- Fun and Informative
- Great Job
- A great introduction
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U.S. Presidents for Dummies
Marcus Stadelmann
Manufacturer: For Dummies
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ASIN: 0764508857 |
Book Description
Forty-three Americans have held the job of President of the United States. Each has a story, be it one of vision, accomplishment, conflict, scandal, triumph, or tragedy. And each story is at the center of the national story, a part of what we all experience. History buffs find endless fascination – and a greater understanding of America today – in the colorful personalities and momentous events that surround the Oval Office.
If you want the complete take on U. S. presidents, from George Washington to George W. Bush, you’ll appreciate U. S. Presidents for Dummies. Written in a lively style by a history professor at the University of Texas, this fun guidebook of chief executives is packed with information, factoids, and memorable quotes. Inside, you’ll find out which president:
- Promised to only serve one term, and kept his word!
- Was a great person but a rotten president
- Campaigned on nothing but image – in the n ineteenth century!
- May be the most underrated president in history
- Had his own distributor bringing liquor to the White House – during Prohibition!
- Appointed the first female cabinet member
- Pushed through the first civil rights legislation after the end of the Civil War
- Said of himself, “I am a man of limited talents from a small town. I don’t seem to grasp that I am president”
U. S. Presidents for Dummies offers a wealth of knowledge on what it takes to be the leader of the free world, and who has stepped up to the challenge. Dividing the ranks of presidents into chronological groups for a broader, historical understanding of the office, this book discusses:
- The birth and evolution of the presidency
- Ineffective presidents
- Forgettable presidents
- Working up to the Civil War
- Reconstruction presidents
- Becoming a force in the world
- Instituting the Imperial Presidency
- Today’s changing dynamics and the Presidency
A treasury of information, this book features an easy-to-comprehend style and sharp historical analysis. Sidebars, photos, timelines, and best and worst lists make U. S. Presidents for Dummies a historical blast to read and a must-have for understanding the state of both yesterday’s and today’s union.
Customer Reviews:
A quick guide to the Presidents.......2007-04-24
This is a great introduction to American history, excellent for mid graders beginning social studies or just anybody interested in trivia on all the presidents up to George W. Bush's early years. I loved it and used it to get to know some of the presidents that I am not too familiar with like James Monroe, Martin Van Buren, John Tyler, and many of the other lesser presidents. It also goes into some detail into the great ones like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson, John F. Kennedy, and so forth. It also talks about the flaws and some of the things that the men wanted to accomplish and what they didn't. There is also a list of 10 best and 10 worst presidents, and the arguments for them are pretty convincing. If there is a fault to the book it is that I really wanted more info on some of them, and all I got was the very basics. Still, great for what it is, a general once over of the most important men in the world.
A Great Broad Primer of the U.S. Presidents.......2006-07-26
I really like this book because it gives one a great overview of each president. The author doesn't hold back or gloss over any of the presidents. If he thinks one did well, he says so and why. The converse is true for the bad ones.
Each president is given a short pre-history to their presidenthood, a short overview of their actions (and mis-actions) in office and what happened to them when they left.
The edition I own goes up to Preisdent George W. Bush's first term.
I highly recommend it with you need to know the basics of a president to get you started on larger research.
Fun and Informative.......2005-09-21
This is a fun reference source for information about our Presidents. It is a valuable teaching tool and is loaded with "good stuff" and gossip to help put a human face on these men.
Great Job.......2004-04-12
Thank you BooksandPrint. The book got to me on one day before the first day for delivery. I found some minor flaws in the book including a rip on the bottom of the page on the section on Richard Nixon and a misprint on one of the elections in the back where one of the canidate got credit for more electoral votes then he was entitled. I disagree with some of the ranking of the presidents including Bill Clinton. I was amazed that Clinton was not ranke one of the worst ten presidents.
A great introduction.......2003-03-03
Do you want to know what makes a Great President? Do you want to know the names and details of some of the 43 that you've never heard of? Do you want to know the people behind the historical facts?
This book is a great introduction to US presidents for the lay reader. I bought it because I felt underinformed about American history, and couldn't name even half of our presidents. The book certainly helped increase my breadth of knowledge on the subject. It also provided enough tongue in cheek humor to make the history interesting.
After the fact I felt good enough about the book to give it away as a gift.
Book Description
The defining document of the United States-explained in plain English
The U.S. Constitution and its 27 amendments are the foundation of our government. But the Constitution is not always easy to understand-especially when you consider that U.S. courts have been interpreting and reinterpreting it continuously over the last two centuries. Now, in this entertaining and even-handed guide, constitutional expert Michael Arnheim and former U.S. Rep. Andy Jacobs Jr. walk readers through the text and discusses how various articles and amendments have guided legislators and judges, sparked ongoing debates-and continue to affect influence Americans' daily lives. They cover all the big issues-including separation of church and state, freedom of speech, gun ownership, search and seizure, the rights of the accused, and civil rights-and explain how the Constitution influences current discussions of the Patriot Act, the Electoral College, voting irregularities, and other topics.
Book Description
Your insider's guide to the best places and prices
Plan an exciting Alaska adventure
From Anchorage and the Arctic to Denali National Park and the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska is an unspoiled paradise with glaciers, wildlife, fishing, kayaking, and more. Where do you begin? Relax! This easy-to-understand guide is all you need for a fun-filled trip.
Discover:
- Down-to-earth trip-planning advice
- What you shouldn't miss - and what you can skip
- The best restaurants and hotels for every budget
- Lots of detailed maps
Customer Reviews:
Invaluable.......2007-06-27
This book is great. It gives lots of PRACTICAL information, without giving too much information about every single hotel and restaurant in town. It has tips and advice on how to enjoy your trip and not be taken advantage of. It has "heads up" sections that warn you of tourist traps, and gives ways to save money while visiting an expensive state. It highlights the "must-see's", and is a great aid in planning the trip of a lifetime.
Don't rely on this book for Alaska if you want accurate information.......2007-06-16
I run a tour business for Alaska travelers and purchased this book as a reference book. I was horrified at the inaccurate information and lack of details. For expample the author talks about Southeast Alaska and only mentions 3 towns! leaving out some of the most interesting and best places. No mention of Ketchikan, Haines, Wrangell, Petersburg, Gustavus. It is hard to believe the author has ever been to this part of Alaska. And as for his information for cruise ship passengers and day trips - his information and pricing is way out of date and for the most part very inaccurate. If you are planning to visit Alaska by cruise ship - this is NOT the information you will need for going through the Inside Passage.
Great book of non-dummies too........2007-03-20
A great book for a planned trip with limited time. If you are off for adventure or off the beaten path make sure you get the Milepost and if you are visiting the Denali area, get Discovering Denali.
Satisfied Dummie.......2006-02-25
I loved this book. I had ordered three different books on Alaska Vacations, this one was the best hands down. It gave me all my options, sample vacations, told me the best and worst of Alaska. I really feel I can now book my vacation and feel very comfortable. Going to Alaska is a very expensive vacation, I have waited a lifetime for a trip like this so I wanted to make sure of all my options. This book gave you the pros and cons of cruising, driving, renting an RV, railroads. Once I got through I knew exactly what was the best option for myself.
A Great Guide if you don't know where to begin........2005-02-23
This is a great book for anyone who just doesn't know where to start on planning their first trip to Alaska. The book is filled with valuable information from the writer of Frommer's Alaska. Be sure not to get both Alaska for Dummies and the Frommer's Alaska guide because there is a lot of overlap.
Unfortunately, this book is completely void of photographs which is a shame in a state as picturesque as Alaska.
If you are looking at purchasing this book, the second edition is being released on March 14, 2005. I just finished the book so I thought I would put my two cents in about it.
Book Description
The Lewis and Clark expedition was the greatest camping trip in history. It was one of those irresistible American adventures that many people dream of living. This book shares the delightful details of the journey that historians have gleaned from the group’s journals and maps, and also discusses what’s known of the Indian perspective of the expedition.
Throughout the book, you find out about Jefferson’s western exploration from his earliest efforts to see the Corps assembled through the aftermath for the explorers, the tribes, and the United States. But the focus of Lewis & Clark For Dummies is on the period between Jefferson’s confidential letter to Congress requesting dollars to mount a western exploration (January 18,1803) and the expedition’s triumphant (and improbable) return to St. Louis (September 23, 1806): forty-two months that changed the world.
Join Lewis and Clark as they recruit the Corps of Discovery, meet Sacagawea and various Indian tribes, and set off along the Missouri River on a thrilling, perilous journey. Lewis & Clark For Dummies also covers the following topics and more:
- The expedition’s people and places
- Jefferson’s fascination with the West
- Final preparations of Meriwether Lewis
- Weathering storms to launch the expedition
- The discomforts and dangers of the journey
- Making maps and writing reports
- A first look at the Pacific Ocean
The story of Lewis and Clark doesn’t end with their return to St. Louis. This book will also lead you on an exploration of the fates and lessons of the Corps of Discovery. Find out what happened to Lewis, Clark, and many other key players after their famous journey. And examine the aftermath for the American Indians and the political and cultural ramifications for the United States. You’ll even find the resources you need to plan your own recreation of the expedition as you take the Trail yourself!
Customer Reviews:
Lewis and Clark Gone Wild.......2007-07-22
This is a book that you must peruse prior to purchasing. Use the table of contents for key words such as Lewis and Sioux. Experience how the authors explain the character of Lewis and Clark and their Corps of Discovery. Compare this to their passages regarding the Sioux, Blackfeet, Chinooks and other Native Americans. Decide for yourself if this book is reasonably written. I failed to do so and "Paid" for it.
Lewis and Clark : Arrogant bumblers.......2006-10-24
When I bought this book I was looking for a book to fill in the blanks while reading Lewis and Clark's journals. Where they went, what's there today, what happened afterwards, etc. This book is that. But to get this information you have to read one of the most scathing biased views of the journy that exists. This book is a commentary where the authors push their opinion that Lewis and Clark where a pair of arrogant (their words)and bumbling idiots. If you are looking for an un-biased history - don't waste your time with this book. If you want a very liberal and negative view of Lewis and Clark's journey then this is your book. You are not left to view the facts and make your own opinion, the authors make it for you. Over and over again. I actually felt like throwing the book accross the room a couple of times. (one example is they terrorized and frightened a prarie dog by capturing it and sending it back to the President Jefferson) Very seldom is anything positive even written about the pair and their disdain for Lewis is apparant. To be fair the book does a good job of locating events, people, and places where things happened. Just expect a scathing review of one of the greatest events in american history.
Better titled "Lewis and Clark BY Dummies".......2005-11-14
Another PC treatise which makes no effort to disguise its PC agenda. Unless the reader already has a fairly well-developed BS detector it may be more difficult to divine the truth than it was was for the explorers to locate the Pacific ocean. Like all books of this ilk there are the little icons which can be helpful. Perhaps a good editor could employ a little outhouse to warn the reader of these frequest, distracting and irritating diatribes. However if you can smell, uh, spot them and enjoy the simplicity of these style of books it may be worth your while to persevere. I'm frankly disappointed and will be looking for another single volume to recommend in the future.
A great read about a great expedition.......2005-01-12
I'm a big fan of the Lewis & Clark expedition, and I loved every page of this book. Not just a dry recitation of facts or a repetition of the journals, which anyone can read, this book provides context and takes the events of 200 years ago into the present day. Why does the Lewis & Clark expedition matter? You'll find out here, and enjoy following the Lewis & Clark trail all the more.
A refreshing perspective on history........2005-01-10
Lewis and Clark for Dummies succeeds in providing a sense of reality to the romanticized version of the Lewis and Clark story. This book demands that we understand that there is an essential perspective that has been missing from the historical record and the truth is not complete without it. The perspective of the American Indian and the role that their cultures and civilizations played are only known through the limited interpretation of Lewis and Clark and their own language and culture. This recognition is remarkable because it makes everyone human and highlights the limitations that come from one point of view. Unfortunately, Sakakawea and York were not able to provide their own personal reflections. 200 years is not a long time. There are still many stories remembered by tribal elders that could add volumes and provide a new understanding of the world that Lewis and Clark visited. This book reminds us that there is still much to be known and that there is more than one side to a version of history. It is refreshing to read an objective overview of the Lewis and Clark story rather than another reinterpretation of the Lewis and Clark perspective.
Book Description
For newlyweds, singles, or families, Hawaii For Dummies covers everything necessary to plan the perfect trip:
- Charts and interactive quizzes to help determine which island to visit
- A wide assortment of planning tips and information on package tours, getting the best airfare, suitable accommodations, and more
- The best beaches, plus advice for enjoying water sports and other adventures and excursions
Download Description
For newlyweds, singles, or families, Hawaii For Dummies covers everything necessary to plan the perfect trip:
- Charts to help determine which island to visit
- A wide assortment of planning tips and information on package tours, getting the best airfare, suitable accommodations, and more
- The best beaches, plus advice for enjoying water sports and other adventures and excursions
Customer Reviews:
Frommers is better.......2007-08-27
I bought hawaii for Dummies and Frommers Hawaii. Haven't gone on the trip yet, but I find myself trusting the Frommers information more than the Dummies info. I even got a few tips from Frommers that saved us $80 on helicopter tours that weren't mentioned in Dummies. We're taking a cruise around Hawaii, and neither book gives you information about how to get around from the cruiseship ports which would have been really helpful.
Hawaii Simplified.......2007-08-04
Dear John: Letters From a Fan in New York City: An Interactive BookWhen you go to Hawaii for the first time (as I did last year to reward myself for three years of writing and no vacation) you want to make sure you know where to start. There is no better book than the Hawaii for Dummies to take along with any other book on Hawaii which is more specific.
This is a place to start, before you even book your trip. Read it from cover to cover a while before you go, and take it with you, too.
Most of the 'must-sees' are right on. Gives you a road map, before embarking on your chosen islands and itineraries.
Hawaii for Dummies.......2007-05-07
Very helpful and fun. Planning our first trip and everything we need seems to be there and easily understood and accessed.
Great for attractions, beaches, maps; OK for dining.......2007-05-07
Liked that the book had the post it's that I could move from island chapter to chapter. Liked that I had good maps for each island in one book. Saw a few other tourists with the same book and all had positive things to say.
Restaurants I tried were ok; not great. But the prices are higher here than the mainland so I didn't go to many upscale places like normal. I ended up asking the conceirge for recommendations which were better and not in the book.
However, the attractions and beaches were spot on. All great. And the advice on where to stop was excellent. If we had stopped at every "lookout" point or "scenic" stop, we would have never seen anything. I decided to go to one waterfall that wasn't in the book and was disappointed after seeing Akaka Falls which was recommended.
Best Hawaii travel book.......2007-03-25
My husband and I travel often and I always rely on the Dummies travel books to give me the information I need to plan our trips. They have never let me down. They are straightforward, very well organized and laid out, and they even give you some Post-It flags to mark your favorite pages. The books include tips, heads up, bargain alert, kid friendly, best of the best, and local know how symbols in the left margins to highlight certain information. They also use a larger font than the other travel books, which I truly appreciate. The Hawaii For Dummies book really helped me to plan our trip and the numerous maps throughout the book were especially beneficial.
Book Description
From spectacular ski mountains to eerie ghost towns, roaring rivers to heavenly hot springs, Colorado and its majestic Rocky Mountains offer incredible scenery and a fantastic range of recreational options to plunge into it headfirst. No matter what your season and reason for a trip to Colorado might be—extreme snowboarding off-piste in Aspen or hiking with the whole family in Rocky Mountain National Park—you’ll find all the guidance you need with this friendly travel companion, including:
- Tips on what’s happening in Colorado in each season and each month of the year
- A candid discussion of your lodging options, from B&B to historic hotel, dude ranches to campgrounds
- Suggestions for trips based in the cities—and quick, easy ways to branch out to take in the natural wonders surrounding them
- Fast facts on all the major ski resorts, including elevation, skiable terrain, snowfall, and reservation information
- Information on how to get the most of the great outdoors in every locale, from hiking and biking to cross-country and downhill skiing
- Hints on getting maximum bang for your buck in the shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs
- Ten signature, can’t-go-wrong Colorado experiences
Like every For Dummies travel guide, Colorado & the Rockies For Dummies includes:
- Down-to-earth trip-planning advice
- What you shouldn’t miss — and what you can skip
- The best restaurants and hotels for every budget
- Lots of detailed maps
Customer Reviews:
Nothing special.......2007-08-16
I didn't notice any difference from the other Frommer's travel books. If you look for something special the "Insider" or "Off The Beaten Path" series are probably more useful.
I found everything I needed to plan my trip........2003-08-21
I was able to find expert advice on everything from hotels, restaurants, and the top attractions. This book was easy to use, and was filled with all the things I needed, without adding all the extra bulk you see in other travel guides.
Book Description
The Civil War was America’s trial by fire; its battles forged the nation we know today. We’re still fascinated with it – the national reckoning with slavery, the legendary generals and leaders, the epic and bloody clashes of armies, the impact on the daily lives of ordinary people. We visit its battlefields – mostly idyllic patches of countryside near small towns and creeks – where more Americans died in combat than in all other wars combined, except for World War Two. And we tell its stories – of last charges, brother fighting brother, imprisonment and emancipation, and tragedy and rebirth. It is our country’s epic; the story of how we became who we are, and what price we paid.
The Civil War For Dummies is your complete introduction to this seminal conflict. Eschewing tedious historical pondering and military micro-analysis, this fun and information-rich guide gives an accurate overview of the event, from the war’s causes through the fighting to the aftermath. Inside you’ll discover:
- 1850-1860: what led to war
- First Bull Run: illusions lost
- Antietam: the bloodiest day
- The Emancipation Proclamation
- Heroes and goats of each major battle
- Jackson’s Valley Campaign
- Sherman’s March to the Sea
- Surrender at Appomattox
- And much more
Full of sidebars and illustrations, The Civil War For Dummies brings history to life with personalities, factoids, battle reports, strategic maps, and “what ifs.” In addition to the military and political history, you’ll also find out about:
- The African American experience in the war
- Women and the Civil War
- Native Americans and the war
- The life of the common soldier
- Banking and finance systems and the war
- “Firsts” that make the Civil War history’s first modern war
- Civil War food
- Civil War tourism: the best battlefields to visit, and how to get the most out of your trip
Written in an accessible style so you can start reading at any point in the story, The Civil War For Dummies makes a great cornerstone for learning about this violent and compelling chapter of American history.
Customer Reviews:
Read This and Remain a Dummy?.......2007-02-03
In the case of at least one important Civil War commander,the author, regardless of his impressive credentials, makes some astonishingly erroneous mistakes of both fact and interpretation.
Regarding Confederate General John Bell Hood, among other glaring errors, Dickson writes that after the disastrous 1864 Tennessee Campaign and retreat from Nashville, only 5,000 Confederate troops remained in the shattered Army of Tennessee. Records confirm that the Army of Tennessee numbered 21,700 (18,682 effective infantry and approximately 3,000 cavalry of Forrest's command) in Tupelo, Mississippi in Jan. 1865 after the retreat. These forces were later dispersed among various locations, with 5,000 infantry sent to North Carolina. The author suggests to the reader that these 5,000 soldiers were all that remained after the defeat at Nashville.
Also, the author, while harshly criticizing Gen. Hood at every opportunity, states unambiguously that Hood single-handedly ruined the Confederate attack at Cassville, Georgia in June 1864 by incorrectly positioning his corps to face a nonexistent Union threat. This is completely false. Research by respected Civil War scholars such as Richard McMurry and Dr. Stephen Davis confirm Gen. Hood's assertion that a Union force of approximately 1,500 cavalry approached Hood's Corps from the right flank at the commencement of Army of Tennessee commander Joe Johnston's planned Cassville attack, and Hood wisely repositioned his forces to face the threat. As Dr. Davis wrote in his book "Atlanta Will Fall", for Hood to have ignored an approaching Union force of unknown size would have been "foolish in the extreme."
I realize that The Civil War for Dummies is not supposed to be an in-depth scholastic and tactical study of the Civil War, but the book should at least be factually accurate and any commentary ought to be reasonable.
Unfortunately, regarding Gen. John Bell Hood, Sherman's Atlanta Campaign, and the 1864 Tennessee Campaign, the book's content seems to be little more than a "Cliff's Notes" style condensed version of author Wiley Sword's widely discredited book on Hood and his Tennessee Campaign, "Embrace an Angry Wind: The Confederacy's Last Hurrah"
As related to the subject of Gen. Hood, readers of "Civil War for Dummies" will probably remain so.
Just the Facts.......2007-01-09
I was looking for a good book to refresh my memory of the Civil War. This book gave me an unbiased account from beginning to end. It hits the important points of the war without weighing you down with tons of details. This is a great book for the casual historian, but not necessarily the hard core Civil War junkie.
NEO-CONFEDERATE BIAS.......2006-08-07
The author leans heavily towards the racist White South and misrepresents Union personalities. Southerners are "brave heroes" while Union men are "one-time store clerks and errand boys". It's hard to believe that the author is a loyal American.
not a good study guide.......2006-06-28
I bought this book to study for the DANTES test on Civil war and reconstruction. It was of minimal help. Its a great book if what you are interested in is battle plans, tactics, and a pretty good analysis of each and every battle. The DANTES exam just wanted to know who fought what battle and where, and had questions on Copperheads, fireaters, KKK,and the Lincoln and Johnson administrations that are only glanced it in this book. This is a book about the Civil WAR. To review for the DANTES test find a book about the Civil War and the Civil War ERA.
Since this is the first book I've ever read that was exclusively about the Civil War, I wasn't too sure if 90% of the Southern Generals really were war geniuses and 90% of the Union Generals were compelete idiots, which is how it seems in this author's analysis. The South received more complimentary language than the North. I felt that the author was slightly biassed toward the South.
Excellent Synopsis of a Complicated Subject.......2006-03-24
Dr. Dickson does an excellent job of compressing four years of a nation-wide conflict into less than 400 pages, including the major issues leading up to the war. I would recommend this book highly for students in both high school and college who want to know more about the Civil War, but do not have time to enjoy all the classic histories on the subject.
Book Description
Where can you meander down the steepest, crookedest street in the world, ride cable cars, visit the notorious Alcatraz prison, and gaze at a majestic golden bridge across a deep blue bay? San Francisco, of course. For singles, families, and every traveler in between, this is the perfect starting point to a great vacation in the Bay Area, jam-packed with fun and practical information including:
- Getting the hang of the neighborhoods: Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury, The Mission District, The Presidio, and more
- Up-to-date tips on restaurants from ethnic eats to fine dining, snacks on the wharf to perfect lattés
- Day and overnight trip itineraries for Berkeley, California Wine Country, Point Reyes and Inverness
- The best panoramic views to check out — and activities to enjoy when it’s raining
- Special guidance for gay and lesbian visitors, families, seniors, and travelers with disabilities
Like every For Dummies travel guide, San Francisco For Dummies, Second Edition includes:
- Down-to-earth trip-planning advice
- What you shouldn’t miss — and what you can skip
- The best restaurants and hotels for every budget
- Lots of detailed maps
Customer Reviews:
San Fran for Dummies.......2007-06-27
This was a very easy, manageable read. It was extremely helpful in giving an overview of the city. It helped in navigating my trip!!!
The best guide to San Francisco!.......2005-10-14
Like all the "Dummies" travel guides, this book is the best! Written in a conversational style, the information is broken down in easy to read chunks. The recommendations were all spot-on (don't miss Dottie's True Blue Cafe!) and the maps were invaluable!
who was your fact checker?.......2003-09-28
I was disappointed overall with the transportation information, especially when the book gave incorrect directions to the Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market. Above all, a guidebook should be accurate. This book definitely isn't.
Won't live home without it........2002-11-06
For the first time in a long time I have found a travel book that tells me exactly what I need to enjoy my vacation.
Paula Tevis deliverys the goods. No more flipping through page after page to search for information I need. Tevis has put together a book for the true road warrior. With clarity and brevity she brings San Fransico alive. Its obvious that Tevis knows this town inside and out.
great book.......2001-07-31
I bought this book back in February for a trip to San Francisco with my husband. I've been to San Francisco before around 13 years ago, but it was my husband's first trip to San Francisco. We carried the book with us all the time and the tips that it gave us were excellent, everything worked out great. For example, we did not rented a car and we made it all the way to the Golden gate bridge outside the city, following the book's tips to use the public bus. Another great tip, was to buy a three-day ticket to the MUNI (and it worked for bus, cable cars and electric cars). The restaurant suggestions for Chinatown and The Mission District were great. Good tips on how to avoid tourists traps. Great tips on planning itineraries and we felt like we saw all the most important attractions/sights in San Francisco. We hit a rainy afternoon and all we had to do was turn our book on the page on what to do if it's raining, great! I will defenetily buy books from these series again.
Have fun in your trip!
Books:
- Ulysses S. Grant : Memoirs and Selected Letters : Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant / Selected Letters, 1839-1865 (Library of America)
- Understanding Iraq: The Whole Sweep of Iraqi History, from Genghis Khan's Mongols to the Ottoman Turks to the British Mandate to the American Occupation
- Vampire : The Masquerade (Revised Edition)
- When in the Course of Human Events: Arguing the Case for Southern Secession
- Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life
- Winchester: An American Legend : The Official History of Winchester Firearms and Ammunition from 1849 to the Present
- World History for Dummies
- A History of the English-Speaking Peoples Since 1900
- A History of the Habsburg Empire, 1526-1918
- A Little History of the World
Books Index
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