This book stems from the course on early American history that Professor Bratt taught for many years at Calvin College. It traces the roots of American diversity back to the earliest European and African settlements along the Atlantic shore. It follows the development of five distinct regions that would eventually converge in the young United States; identifying the strengths; vulnerabilities-and arguments-that each contributed to the new nation. "American Roots is a gem of a book. Instead of seeing "the American colonies" as a whole; author James Bratt shows how remarkably different the colonies' five main regions--New England; Middle Colonies; Chesapeake; Lower South and Back Country--were in their development and defining moments. Each put its unique stamp; for good and ill; on what it means to be an American today. This is one powerful little book; full of insights for Americans who want to know themselves and for anyone else who wants to understand Americans." --Joel Carpenter; Nagel Institute; Calvin College "James Bratt has distilled a lifetime of study and teaching into this one Calvin Shorts. For an efficient; clear; balanced; readable--but above all; reliable--introduction to colonial American history; it is hard to imagine a better book." --Mark Noll; author In the Beginning Was the Word: The Bible in American Public Life; 1492-1783 "James D. Bratt's American Roots offers a brisk; engaging review of the often grim realities of early America; and those realities' enduring significance in our national life. Readers will find Bratt a sure guide and a judicious interpreter of these controversial issues." --Thomas S. Kidd; Distinguished Professor of History; Baylor University "This slim volume is at once a masterful primer on colonial America; a lively exemplar of historical thinking; and a pocket guide to understanding the tensions and ideals that created and continue to shape the American nation. Crisply written and chock full of colorful bits of wisdom and insight; Bratt's book is ideal for the classroom or for a quiet evening at home." --Kristin Kobes Du Mez; author A New Gospel for Women: Katharine Bushnell and the Challenge of Christian Feminism "I am really impressed with Jim's ability to pack so broad a story into so tight a package. The book covers a huge amount of ground in a manner that is unified; coherent; and accessible. It accomplishes its purpose admirably . . . . the introductory chapter explains a historians work in terms about as clear as he could make them to a high school student. I wish every student in the US--and most teachers--had a copy of this book just for this purpose alone." --Timothy D. Hall; Associate Dean and Professor of History; Central Michigan University
#1503439 in Books Cable Publishing 2012-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 6.00 x .75l; .85 #File Name: 1934980757227 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The story of Buchenwald from a survivorBy KadeeThis second book of the Buchenwald trilogy was another very interesting; although due to the subject matter not always easy book to read. This time we see the horrors of the Buchenwald Camp through the eyes of a inmate. One who was there and actually survived the nightmare. The author takes us back to the time he spent at the " camp" and gives the reader a pretty good understanding of what it took to survive in a place such as Buchenwald. The initial train trip he was on while being sent to the camp in itself was hard to imagine. People crowded into cars and dying from the heat and thirst...all of this before even arriving at the place where so many would end up dying. There are also many interesting pictures throughout which really helped to visualize what the author was referring to. Highly recommended.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Inner StrengthBy HakeI have read many books about the holocaust and the horrors that were inflicted. I read this book after reading the story on Buchenwald and those who run the camp; now I can see the terror on the other side of the wire. Knowing what happened to your family and what will happen to you if you don't comply is scarey. I find it also interesting that the author also spoke about the different personality of his guards. I do recommend this book highly.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Very good!By ChuckSI haven't found much on Buchewald and when I seen this decided to give it a try. Definitely a very good read. Hard to put down!
