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Ten Great Histories

As requested, here are the ten best history books I have read in the past couple of years (in my humble opinion).  It was very difficult paring the list down to just ten, so actually there are eleven!  I hope you enjoy!

1. Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin

2. Lincoln, David Herbert DonaldVirginiahistory_3

3. His Excellency: Goerge Washington, Joseph Ellis

4. Mark Twain: A Life, R on Powers

5. The 33 Strategies of War, Robert Greene

6. The Guns of August, Barbara Tuchman

7. To Rule the Waves, Arthur Herman

8. Reagan’s War, Peter Schweizer

9. Crucible of War, Fred Anderson

10. The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin, H.W. Brands

11. Flyboys: A True Story of Courage, James Bradley

Has anyone read these?  What are your thoughts?  What would you add to the list?

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17 responses to “Ten Great Histories”

  1. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    Chris,
    Awesome list. The only one I’ve also read is ‘Flyboys’ and thought it grand. I appreciate your list because of my interest in the military so will do my best to seek out some of those you included. I will read “Lincoln” first. I wish that I could have known him.
    The only book I would add to a Top Ten list is “Flags of Our Fathers,” also by James Bradley. My father-in-law had the privilege of meeting John ‘Doc’ Bradley many years ago (one of the six who raised the second Iwo Jima flag). They were both funeral directors in central/south WI and their paths would cross now and again.
    In the event that you ever wonder if your posts are worthwhile and mean anything to anyone. . .they are. Keep ’em coming.

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  2. Dean Clouse Avatar
    Dean Clouse

    I have read Reagan’s War (and saw the movie about the book “In the Face of Evil”), His Excellency, Lincoln, and The First American, and I totally agree. I will pick up the others soon and read those. If you are putting those in order of best, so far I would have to put Reagan’s War as number one. Thank you for the book selection and I hope you keep adding more!!

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  3. Kerry Konecny Avatar
    Kerry Konecny

    Chris, thanks for the book list! I have read “Flyboys” and I agree it’s a great read. “Flags of Our Fathers” also by James Bradley and “The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors” by James Hornfischer were great books as well…makes you realize the sacrifices that have been made…and continue to be made around the world for freedom. Kerry Konecny

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  4. KerryK Avatar
    KerryK

    Chris, thanks for the booklist! I have read “Flyboys” and agree it’s a great read! Two books I would submit are “The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors” by James Hornfischer and “The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom. These stories make your realize the sacrifices that have been made and how big a difference a few people can make in keeping freedom for future generations. Kerry Konecny

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  5. Chris Brady Avatar
    Chris Brady

    Liz:
    I really loved the book, and am reminded once again what a small world it is that you knew the author’s father!
    I hope you enjoy the rest!
    Great to hear from you.
    Chris

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  6. Chris Brady Avatar
    Chris Brady

    Dean Clouse:
    Great to hear from you! I couldn’t really put the books in order, I love them all. Glad you’ve read a couple of them, let me know what you think of the rest.
    Take care!
    Chris

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  7. Chris Brady Avatar
    Chris Brady

    Kerry:
    I haven’t read “The Last STand of the Tin Can Sailors” but I will check it out! Thanks for the tip. You’re right, it’s always good to be reminded how much others have done for us. May we never take it for granted.
    God bless!
    Chris

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  8. Chris Brady Avatar
    Chris Brady

    Kerry:
    I think it’s the same Kerry? Anyway, looks like you added a book on your second post, and the Corrie Ten Boom story is one of Terri and my favorites. An unbelievable story of love and the ability to forgive (based on God’s grace, of course).
    Chris

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  9. Cary Avatar
    Cary

    Chris…
    have you read Andy Stanley’s Next Generation Leader? i though i had seen/heard it referenced by you somewhere. also, “the barbarian way” was recommended recently by a church leader – curious if you had heard of it.
    proud to stand with you…
    clh

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  10. Chris Brady Avatar
    Chris Brady

    Cary:
    Yes, I have read Next Generation Leader, and found it to be excellent. I like Andy Stanley’s stuff very much (as well as his father’s). I have heard of the Barbarian Way, but have not read it. I’ll try to check it out.
    Thanks!
    Chris

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  11. Cary Avatar
    Cary

    i have had to order Barbarian Way…my wife is re-reading Visioneering and it is scary good relevance to events recent…seems God always finds a way to speak to those who need to hear – and will consistantly listen! Proud to stand with you…

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  12. Betty Avatar
    Betty

    Am going to pick up The First American: Life and Times of Ben Franklin. The special ed students I teach seem to relate to Ben’s early years. The following are 2 books I enjoyed reading and you may find them informative and/or entertaining: “When Character was King,” a story of Ronald Reagan by Peggy Noonan; “To Fly and Fight,” memoirs of a Triple Ace “Col. Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson,to quote the book flap “the story of a boy who grew up living his dream.” This is a history of WWII aviation. You may have to contact Pacifica Military History in Pacifica, CA (800)453-3152 to get a copy. I met Col. Anderson and had the opportunity to visit with him for a couple hours. A wonderful man.

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  13. Chris Brady Avatar
    Chris Brady

    Betty:
    I have read the first one, but will try to get a copy of the second one. I am planning to write a book on air power some time in the future, and this looks right up my alley!
    Thanks!
    Chris

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  14. Yvonne Blegen Avatar
    Yvonne Blegen

    I cannot believe I have not read any of those histories and I am no slouch when it comes to reading. I have hesitated reading Doris Kearns Goodwin in the past, due to some misgivings I had about her political/biased viewpoints. But if you recommend Team of Rivals, I will be reading it

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  15. Cathy - Team Rascals Avatar
    Cathy – Team Rascals

    Chris,
    I have read the Ben Franklin book. I agree, it was wonderful. I also read Lincoln, and have the same opinion of it.
    I am currently reading “Washington” by Ron Chernow. It’s a grand and epic biography, very detailed in its perspective, while not losing perspective on how the details of his early years impacted his later life and deeds.
    Thankfully I have a husband who indulges a hobby my family (save my late father) and some of our friends have considered odd — I can hardly wait to snatch up for myself and read the latest paperback version of a biography of some historical figure or world leader with significant leadership contributions!

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  16. Jim Dulzo - Sons of Liberty Avatar
    Jim Dulzo – Sons of Liberty

    Hi Chris,
    Unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to read any of these fine books yet. Since my journey only first began a few months back, I have a lot of catching up to do. Currently reading Frank Bettger’s book so I too can go from Failure to Success.
    However, I appreciate the great list of books you have provided here and will definitely strive to read each and everyone of these books.
    Thanks for your inspiration!

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  17. Chris Bryant Avatar
    Chris Bryant

    Chris,
    I’ve read Flyboys and Lincoln. Both fantastic. It’s so easy to forget where we’ve come from and what it took to get us here. I’d add to your list The Last Lion, William Manchester’s 2 part bio of Churchill.

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