American History

This is a big statement, but at least in my reading experience, this is THE definitive survey of the history of the land that is now the United States.  Johnson's humility in titling it "A History" instead of "The History" is admirable.  Starting from the earliest period of (recorded) exploration in the 15th century, the masterful historian Paul Johnson takes the reader on a fast-moving yet detailed adventure through the story of America, ending in the late 1990s during the Clinton Administration.  Johnson's prose is intelligent but pleasant and easy going, he has just enough of a critical tone to keep things interesting, and his eye for little-known, illustrative and memorable detail cannot be beat.  For example, did you know that Calvin Coolidge was sworn into office as President after Warren Harding's death at Coolidge's father's farmhouse in Vermont, with the oath administered by the senior Coolidge?

The length of this book may appear intimidating at nearly 800 pages.  If so, treat it as a collection of books.  There are just a few lengthy chapters, each covering a historical period.  Just read one, then set the book aside until you're ready for another.  Which will probably be within just a few days.

Then go read Johnson's other magnificent works.