America: The Last Best Hope

America: The Last Best Hope #1-2

by William J. Bennett

Endeavors to present the history of the United States from a balanced perspective, describing both positive and negative events, and illuminating the powerful leaders who steered the country on the path of freedom.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, American, Politics

1184 pages, Hardcover

First published October 16, 2007

About the author

William J. "Bill" Bennett is a politician and author who served in the Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations, as chief of National Endowment for the Humanities and later Secretary of Education under Reagan, and Drug Czar under Bush. He is a nationally well-known figure of political and social conservatism and authored many books on politics, ethics, and international relations.

Reviews

[Michael K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS was an awesome BOOK! Filled with information I never knew or was told and just didn't pay attention to. A great book of our history and the very reasons that AMERICA is the last best hope for the world. The benefits of her freedoms and the multitude of undervalued (especially today) contributions that this country shares with other nations. The timeline spans from the beginning of the country up to the very beginning of the 21 Century. Even as bad as so many believe this nation to be, we are still the greatest country of the world.

[Joe Archino · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his farewell address, President Ronald Reagan spoke about the importance of not neglecting the teaching of American history. As Reagan put it, “we’ve got to teach history based not on what’s in fashion but what’s important-why the Pilgrims came here, who Jimmy Doolittle was, and what those thirty seconds over Tokyo meant.” Ultimately, Reagan said, “If we forget what we did, we won’t know who we are.” In taking those words to heart, Dr. William J. Bennett penned "America: The Last Best Hope," which distills his original trilogy chronicling the American story into a single, updated volume. The title was inspired by the immortal words of President Abraham Lincoln, who wrote to Congress in the midst of the Civil War, “We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope of earth.” It is a fitting title that speaks to the profound depth and passion displayed in this massive work, which provides a sweeping overview of American history from the American Revolution to the end of Ronald Reagan’s presidency in 1989. Bennett does cover events after 1989 in his epilogue, but he carefully notes, “Historical objectivity requires more time to pass for us to digest those decades.”

Overall, this is a masterful and engaging account of the American story. One would expect nothing less from a man who formerly served as secretary of education under President Reagan. Bennett writes in a clear voice, making this volume easily accessible to those in the classroom and beyond. Bennett’s love for his subject shines through, but that does not stop him from covering the challenging aspects of American history. As Bennett adds, even with all its imperfections over the years, “We must remember America is still a great success story. When we criticize-as criticize we must-we should play the part of what James Madison called a ‘loving critic.’” The key is proper context, fairness, and balance, all of which Bennett provides.

In totality, the American story is one of perseverance and spirit. As Bennett shows us in "The Last Best Hope," it is a story that all of us can draw pride and inspiration from. In Bennett’s words, “America was, is, and-we pray-will continue to be where, more than anyplace else, dreams actually do come true.”

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a great book. Not only was it good from a historical standpoint, but I thought it was simply a good read. I didn't want to put it down at night.

I can't go back in time to change anything about my life, but I suspect that if we read a book like this in history class that I might have actually learned more history the first time through (in school, that is).

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

For our homeschool: This was the spine for our American History course. It is written in an easy to read tone with short sections for each day of reading. We learned a lot from the book.

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two books are an excellent survey of the positive history of the United States--the noble and good things that have been accomplished and are aggressively ignored by the media and today's academics.

[Megan Everitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ (own physical) Great Book! This was the key text for US history with high school daughter. We read aloud a chapter a day for the whole school year and completed all 789 pages. It was excellent and such a great compilation of vast amounts of information that was not only accessible but enjoyable. We both gave it 5 stars and I am so thankful to have read it.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another history book this high school history hater thoroughly enjoyed. I've read all of Chernov and Baier's books and yet this one added even more richness and insight into events most of us have heard of and lots of events we haven't heard of. Heavily footnoted but not annoyingly so. Ends with the Raegan administration. Bennett includes an Epilogue which takes us through the Obama years. He says enough years have not passed to have the benefit of historical perspective. Highly readable.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book "Patton: The Generals" by Agostino von Hassell and Ed Breslin is about General George S. Patton, Jr. A great military man who was misunderstood. He came from a long line of military men on both his mother's and father's side of his family.

I originally chose to review this book because somewhere very distantly in my ancestry, I've heard we are related. I was hoping to find out more about this enigmatic, colorful man. I was not disappointed.

Reading this showed me that the movie I had seen was not as near to the truth as I had considered it to be. General Patton's rival General Omar Bradley worked as the film's chief consultant! Obviously playing to all of Patton's less than wonderful shortcomings.

I learned that while several of his decisions were not exactly agreed upon by others, they usually ended up being favorable to his decisions. He was a family man, a military man, and quite the perfectionist! I'm so glad that I decided to read up on one of the greatest generals of the United States military.

*Thomas Nelson Publishers has provided me with a copy of this book. They do not require a positive review to do so.

[L.A. Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite exhaustive

Well written even though it is from a conservative pov I learned about the Vietnam era which is what I was looking for since I already knew Lincoln. It didn’t seem to go into how the parties switched.

[dz · Rating 4 out of 5]

history made interesting

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baden and I read these outloud together this summer and thoroughly enjoyed them! They are a great way to brush up on American history. They are a fast, fun read.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatest books I have ever read- direct, informative and more historically accurate than most other books out there

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok, this is for the second book. Very fascinating. We had leaders who have try to guide our country through some rough times as best as thought it should be.

[Beth Shields-Szostak]

1st edition, signed & inscribed by author

[Pauline Winchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I put a blog about it on the randomness of paulinerose on wordpress go check it out!

Great book!

[Cale Stultz]

Great American history book.

[Paul E. Norwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be required reading for all high schoolers & college students! Presents history of our nation - warts and all - in one volume.

[Taylor]

It took me most of 2022 to read it. I want to start reading it again towards the end of this year to take better notes. I highly recommend to those who want a look into our great American history!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both excellent, excellent books. Very easy to read.