by Suzanne Wesley

Created on: July 12, 2008

Kenneth C. Davis is best known for his New York Times Best-Selling series of books that began with one titled "Don't Know Much About History". Covering everything in this series from the Bible and Greek Mythology to Mummies and Outer Space, many would think that Kenneth Davis had just about covered all there was to tell. However, in 'America's Hidden History: Untold Tales of the First Pilgrims, Fighting Women, and Forgotten Founders Who Shaped a Nation', Kenneth has shown his readers there are many nuggets of truth yet to be unearthed from the history of America.

What school child hasn't learned who sailed the 'ocean blue' in 1492? Or heard the story of young George Washington and his inability to tell a lie when he chopped down a cherry tree? Perhaps you've ever heard someone treacherous referred to as a Benedict Arnold?

Many of us have. These stories have become a part of who we are as American's - taught to us as children in classrooms across America. The above three example are part and parcel of a victor's view of history. Pieces have been extracted from America's real history to put everything in a simple, neat and tidy package for easier memorization. Or perhaps the better label is 'propaganda' that has been handed down over the centuries? It depends on who was telling the story. (Usually the victor got to spin the tale).

Kenneth has gone back in the archives and rooted out the ambitions, the relevant details about Nofamily and personal lives, and the forgotten secrets surrounding some of the events from our American past. These include well known and lesser known heroes, heroines and at least one famous early American that was deemed as a traitor. Kenneth paints a picture of the culture and events surrounding these individuals and tears down the false image of perfection whenever necessary.

This book is a must read for any history lover, but would also make a great gift for an older child - one who may be struggling with all the dates and facts to memorize in their US history class. Kenneth not only uncovers old secrets, but brings to life the time-period in which his subjects lived. There are still many facts and dates to be had in Kenneth's book, but they are framed within tales that are little-known and fascinating. They reveal a deeper understanding of what it was like to live as; a pilgrim, a New England settler, a Continental army soldier or even as a Revolutionary. Sometimes, their motives aren't what we were led to think in elementary school.

This writer has not yet heard if Kenneth plans to make this book the beginning of another long-stretching series - but I'm sure there is still a 'motherload' of golden and secret truths for him yet to unearth and write upon from America's History - one big enough that even the Spanish Conquistadors would be jealous. Incidentally, did you know the French were the first settlers in America? One of many fun factoids you'll discover when you pick up this great new 'read' by Kenneth C. Davis.

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