what's the most authentic book on US history one can read?(not just diplomatic but an honest ruthless account)

Answer 1

I recommend reading "Don't Know Much About History" by Kenneth C. Davis

Its a 900 page novel filled with accurate historical accounts from the America's discovery to the civil war and all the into the current mellenia post-9/11

Answer 2

I don't know but I thought the text books I read in school were pretty honest. They talked about us taking over the native land and had pictures of slaves that were beaten. The idea that we don't talk about women, slaves, and natives in school is a myth. I never saw a need for black history month.

Answer 3

The American Pageant, a Textbook, is pretty darned good.

If you want in depth, anything by Doris Kearns Goodwin or David McCullough is good- but they're long books and not for somebody with only a passing interest in the subject.

Answer 4

Zurvan's suggestion is a great place to start, but don't ever take anything that anyone else writes, as fact until you have thoroughly researches the topic yourself and come to the conclusion of, what is fact, yourself.
the truest fact out there, is the fact that truth is mutable. Just like statistics, it can be stated in a way to say anythign the authur wants you to believe.

Answer 5

History is primarily represented by the dominant, by the victors and by those with opinions and/or memory. Each has flaws. Read much and form your own opinion and consensus.