Douglas Brinkley is a distinguished historian whose work delves into the very heart of the American narrative. His writing is characterized by a keen insight into the pivotal moments and figures that have shaped the nation. Brinkley masterfully brings history to life, offering readers not just facts, but a profound understanding of the complex forces and ideals that underpin the American experiment. His literary contribution lies in his ability to make American history accessible and compelling with both vigor and intellectual rigor.
Courageous activists ignited an environmental revolution that inspired legislative action from three distinct presidents, showcasing the potential for bipartisan cooperation in ecological efforts. Douglas Brinkley presents a comprehensive narrative that not only chronicles these pivotal moments in American history but also emphasizes the urgency of addressing environmental challenges. His work serves as both a call to action and a reminder of the collaborative spirit needed to safeguard the planet's future.
Celebrated as one of the best books of the year, this work offers a compelling narrative that captivates readers with its unique storytelling and rich character development. The author explores profound themes that resonate deeply, inviting reflection and emotional engagement. With a blend of insightful prose and vivid imagery, the book stands out in its genre, making it a must-read for those seeking an impactful literary experience.
The narrative highlights the environmental legacy of Theodore Roosevelt's distant cousin, a passionate advocate for conservation. It explores the cousin's relentless efforts to protect America's natural landscapes and promote sustainable practices. Brinkley delves into their shared commitment to environmentalism, showcasing how this familial connection influenced broader conservation movements. The book emphasizes the importance of preserving wild spaces and the enduring impact of their vision on contemporary environmental challenges.
Focusing on grassroots activism and artistic contributions, the narrative chronicles the efforts to preserve Alaska's wilderness from 1879 to 1960. It highlights key figures such as naturalist John Muir and President Dwight Eisenhower, alongside notable advocates like Theodore Roosevelt and Rachel Carson. The book illustrates the struggle against the extraction industry, showcasing the passion of "wilderness believers" who fought to protect Alaska's natural resources for future generations, while also sharing remarkable tales of its wildlife.
The narrative unfolds during the catastrophic events of Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005, detailing the immediate destruction of Gulf Coast cities and the subsequent storm-surge flooding that submerged countless homes. It highlights the devastating impact of government mismanagement in the aftermath, revealing how human failures compounded the natural disaster's effects. This account captures the complex interplay of nature's fury and societal response, emphasizing the profound human tragedy that ensued beyond the hurricane's winds and waters.
Ed Abbey called The Monkey Wrench Gang, his 1975 novel, a "comic extravaganza." Some readers have remarked that the book is more a comic book than a real novel, and it's true that reading this incendiary call to protect the American wilderness requires more than a little of the old willing suspension of disbelief.The story centers on Vietnam veteran George Washington Hayduke III, who returns to the desert to find his beloved canyons and rivers threatened by industrial development. On a rafting trip down the Colorado River, Hayduke joins forces with feminist saboteur Bonnie Abbzug, wilderness guide Seldom Seen Smith, and billboard torcher Doc Sarvis, M.D., and together they wander off to wage war on the big yellow machines, on dam builders and road builders and strip miners. As they do, his characters voice Abbey's concerns about wilderness preservation ("Hell of a place to lose a cow," Smith thinks to himself while roaming through the canyonlands of southern Utah. "Hell of a place to lose your heart. Hell of a place... to lose. Period").Moving from one improbable situation to the next, packing more adventure into the space of a few weeks than most real people do in a lifetime, the motley gang puts fear into the hearts of their enemies, laughing all the while. It's comic, yes, and required reading for anyone who has come to love the desert.
One of our most acclaimed historians explores the decorated military service of one of America’s most intriguing politicians—the leading Democratic presidential candidate for 2004—and its profound effects on his career and life In Tour of Duty, Brinkley explores Senator John Kerry’s career and deftly deals with such explosive issues as U.S. atrocities in Vietnam and the bombing of Cambodia. Using new information acquired from the recently released Nixon tapes, Brinkley reveals how White House aides Charles Colson and H.R. Haldeman tried to discredit Kerry. Refusing to be intimidated, Kerry started running for public office, eventually becoming a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts. Covering more than four decades, this is the first full-scale definitive account of Kerry’s journey from war to peace. In writing this riveting, action-packed narrative, Brinkley has drawn on extensive interviews with virtually everyone who knew Kerry well in Vietnam. Kerry also relegated to Brinkley his letters home from Vietnam and his voluminous “war notes” journals, notebooks, and personal reminiscences written during and shortly after the war. This material was provided without restriction, to be used at Brinkley’s discretion, and has never before been published.
Douglas Brinkley takes us on the incredible journey of the United States - a nation formed from a vast countryside on whose fringes a few small colonies made a bold cast at freedom, then burgeoned into an expanding democracy, and ultimately flourished as a world power. From the first primitive maps outlining a New World to the faded daguerreotypes of young men in uniforms standing beside Confederate flags; to pictures of hopeful immigrant families arriving at Ellis Island; to the stirring photographs of civil rights marchers; to the terrible images of the Oklahoma City Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing - the history of America offers a stunning album of people and events.
The narrative captures America's race to the moon, highlighting themes of heroism, bravery, and patriotism. As the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing approaches, this young readers' edition by bestselling author and historian Douglas Brinkley offers an engaging exploration of the historical events and figures that defined this monumental achievement in space exploration.
The book delves into the military service of a prominent Democratic presidential candidate from 2004, highlighting how his decorated past shaped his political career and personal life. Through a detailed exploration, the author examines the interplay between military experience and political aspirations, offering insights into the candidate's character and the broader implications of his service on American politics.
