The most recent programs for the History Bookshelf Tag http://www.c-spanvideo.org/browse?topic=5412 en-US Copyright 2013, National Cable Satellite Corporation info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Mon, 20 May 2013 00:14:20 GMT Craig Shirley talked about his book [Rendezvous with Destiny: Ronald Reagan and the Campaign That Changed America] (Intercollegiate Studies Institute; October 15, 2009). In his book he tells the story of the "last rebirth" of the Republican Party with Ronald Reagan's 1980 presidential campaign. Mr. Shirley follows President Reagan from his defeat for the presidency in 1976 to his election four years later over the incumbent President Jimmy Carter. The author interviewed over 150 participants from the presidential campaign. Craig Shirley discussed his book with John Heubusch and also responded to questions from members of the audience throughout. This event was held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, on Thursday, November 12, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. Craig Shirley is the president of Shirley & Banister Public Affairs, a marketing and government relations firm. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/290074-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/290074-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Nelson talked about his book [Benedict Arnold's Navy: The Ragtag Fleet that Lost the Battle of Lake Champlain but Won the American Revolution], published by International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press. In his book Mr. Nelson strives to characterize Benedict Arnold as more than a traitor. Mr. Nelson traces Arnold's role in the army during the American Revolution, including Arnold's role in the battles at Ticonderoga and Valcour Island on Lake Champlain. Nelson chronicles the wit with which Benedict conducted his military endeavors and argues that his entire reputation is marred by Arnold's ultimate abandonment of the American army and alliance with the British. Mr. Nelson showed slides during his presentation. He responded to questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/193388-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/193388-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Colonel Fitz-Enz (Ret.) talked about his book [Old Ironsides: Eagle of the Sea, The Story of the USS Constitution], published by Taylor Trade Publishing. He described several battles that the USS Constitution engaged in during the War of 1812, including those with the HMS Guerriere, the HMS Macedonia, and the HMS Java. It was during the August 19, 1812, battle with the British frigate Guerriere that she earned the nickname "Old Ironsides." After his presentation he responded to questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/179522-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/179522-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Kenneth Heineman discussed [Put Your Bodies Upon the Wheels: Student Revolt in the 1960s], published by Ivan R. Dee. In his new book, Professor Heineman explores the social, cultural, and economic forces that became a catalyst for college campus protests in the sixties. He asserts that student uprisings and campus protests were partially responsible for the dividing socioeconomic and cultural lines within American politics. The author also writes that as these protesting groups gained strength in numbers and media coverage, their demonstrations moved towards violence. After the presentation the author answered questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/169910-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/169910-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Dodson discusses his book [Jubilee: The Emergence of African-American Culture], published by National Geographic Society. The book traces origins of the unique African-American identity, with its distinctive cultural, political, and social systems. Though recently published, it was originally designed to complement the Schomburg Center's 75th anniversary celebration exhibit, "Lest We Forget: The Triumph Over Slavery." The book contains more than 200 photographs and illustrations from the Center's collection of more than five million works. Included are essays from many black scholars, such as Gail Buckley and Annette Gordon-Reed, who joined this discussion. The panelists responded to questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/175191-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/175191-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Herken talked about his book, [Brotherhood of the Bomb: The Tangled Lives and Loyalties of Robert Oppenheimer, Ernest Lawrence, and Edward Teller], published by Henry Holt and Company. He discussed the backgrounds and relationships of the three physicists who were responsible for the creation of the atomic bombs dropped over Japan during WW II. Mr. Herken showed slides of the three scientists and their colleagues during the developmental stages of the atomic bomb and cyclotrons in Berkeley, California. He also responded to questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/173316-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/173316-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Martha Ackmann discussed her book [The Mercury 13: The Untold Story of Thirteen American Women and the Dream of Space Flight]. The book is an account of thirteen women pilots who attempted to become America's first female astronauts during the 1960s. They underwent secret testing at the Lovelace Foundation in New Mexico and passed the same battery of tests as the Mercury 7 astronauts but, according to Ms. Ackmann, the whole notion of American female astronauts was summarily dismissed by the "boys' club" at NASA and on Capitol Hill. The USSR sent its first woman into space in 1963; the United States did not follow for another twenty years. Ms. Ackmann details the careers of these thirteen women, some of whom sacrificed their jobs and their marriages for a chance to participate in America's space race against the Soviet Union. During her presentation Ms. Ackmann read several excerpts from the book. After her presentation, she answered questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/167505-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/167505-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Shaara talked about his book, [Rise to Rebellion], published by Ballantine Books, a historical novel of the American Revolution. Characters in the book include John and Abigail Adams, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. Mr. Shaara spoke on the 225th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Following his talk, Mr. Shaara took questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/165257-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/165257-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Jonathan Rieder talked about his book, [The Word of the Lord Is Upon Me: The Righteous Performance of Martin Luther King, Jr.] (Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2008). The book looks at Martin Luther King, Jr. through his lesser known speeches and private conversations with colleagues. In his talk Mr. Rieder recounted stories from the book and responded to questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/280527-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/280527-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Nathaniel Philbrick talked about his book [Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War], published by Viking. He read from his book and talked about the history of Plymouth Colony, founded in the west of present-day Massachusetts in 1620. Mr. Philbrick detailed the complex relationship between the English settlers and the Wampanaog Indians, describing the first Thanksgiving celebration and the early years in New England as peaceful. He explained that over 50 years after the Pilgrims settled, the Indians waged war against them beginning with the burning of Springfield and King Philip's War. After his presentation he responded to audience members' questions. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/192903-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/192903-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Mr. McCullough, author of the book [John Adams] published by Simon and Schuster, delivered a speech entitled "The Enduring Examples of John and Abigail Adams" at the 201st anniversary of the Library of Congress. It was John Adams who on April 24, 1800, signed into law an act moving the seat of government to Washington, D.C. and establishing the library. Mr. McCullough described John Adams as one of the most influential and most misunderstood Founding Fathers. Through diary entries and letters written to his wife Abigail, Mr. McCullough was able to give a detailed look into the life of the second president of the United States. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/159783-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/159783-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Thomas discussed his biography, [John Paul Jones: Sailor, Hero, Father of the American Navy], published by Simon and Schuster. Revolutionary War hero Jones was born in Scotland in 1747 and came to America to serve in its newly formed Navy. His seafaring abilities and driving ambition helped him rise quickly through the ranks and served him well during his battles at sea in the midst of the Revolutionary War. Hence, John Paul Jones is considered to be the father of the American Navy. After his presentation Mr. Thomas answered audience members' questions. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/176683-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/176683-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Dennis talked about his book [Red, White, and Blue Letter Days: An American Calendar], published by Cornell University Press. The book examines the roots of major American holidays including Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Presidents' Day, and Martin Luther King Day. The author looks at what made these national holidays and talks about the ways that modern commercialism has obscured the original intents of these holidays. After his presentation the author answered questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/162476-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/162476-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT John Dean and Barry Goldwater, Jr., talked about their book [Pure Goldwater], published by Palgrave Macmillan. They edited the private journal kept for over fifty years by 1964 Republican presidential candidate Senator Barry M. Goldwater. They talked about the life and views of the late Arizona senator. Lee Edwards joined the discussion and John Edward Hilboldt moderated. The forum took place at the Heritage Foundation in Washington D.C.. The panel responded to questions from members of the audience following their remarks. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/204609-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/204609-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Gordon Wood talked about his book, [Revolutionary Characters: What Made the Founders Different], published by Penguin Press. The Pulitzer-Prize-winning author described the greatest achievements of the country's Founding Fathers and examined their roles, and the ideals and values expressed in the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence. In addition, Professor Gordon discussed and separation of church and state. After his presentation he responded to audience members' questions. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/192801-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/192801-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Professor Chace discussed his book [1912: Wilson, Roosevelt, Taft, and Debs--The Election That Changed the Country], published by Simon and Schuster. He described the personalities and relationships between Woodrow Wilson, Teddy Roosevelt, William Taft, and Eugene Debs. In his book Professor Chace speculates that the U.S. would have entered and ended World War I earlier if Roosevelt had won the election. He suggested that under Roosevelt, the Republican Party would have been drastically different from the party that exists. After his presentation, Professor Chace answered questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/182471-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/182471-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Willard Sterne Randall, retired history professor at Champlain College, recounted the life of American Revolutionary War figure, Ethan Allen. The leader of the Green Mountain Boys, Allen is remembered for his attack on Fort Ticonderoga in 1775 and his time spent as a prisoner of war in England. Mr. Randall responded to questions from members of the audience at Politics & Prose Bookstore in Washington, D.C. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/301495-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/301495-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Jeff Guinn presented a history of the "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral," which occurred on October 26, 1881, in Tombstone, Arizona. The author, with access to newly available documents, reported that the gunfight did not actually take place at the O.K. Corral nor were the purported lawman, Wyatt Earp and his friend Doc Holliday, innocent actors. Mr. Guinn explained the power struggles that existed between the Earps and the Clayton-McLaury gang, which led to the deadly altercation. Mr. Guinn was interviewed by Mr. Dinges and also responded to questions from members of the audience. This book launch event was held at the Arizona History Museum in Tucson, Arizona. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/300324-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/300324-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Michael Willrich examined the smallpox epidemic in America in the early 1900s. The author detailed the government's initiatives to deter the spread of the disease by requiring mandatory vaccinations and instituting "virus squads" that upheld quarantines. Though these measures eventually contained the disease, they also sparked a wave of popular resistance among Americans who perceived them as a threat to their health and to their rights. Mr. Willrich addressed the questions of how far the government should go to protect the people and what happens when the interests of public health collide with religious beliefs and personal conscience. He responded to questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/300232-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/300232-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT James McPherson talked about his book, [Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander-in-Chief], and responded to audience members questions. The book is a look at President Lincoln as a military leader, strategist, and commander. Professor McPherson argues that Lincoln studied military strategy through books and eventually came to understand the war better than many of his generals did. He asserts that the war would only be won by defeating armies rather than conquering territory and this was one of Lincoln's chief concerns. Professor McPherson argues that in essence, President Lincoln invented the idea of commander in chief, as neither the Constitution nor existing legislation specified how the president ought to declare war or dictate strategy. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/282303-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/282303-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Drew Gilpin Faust talked about her book [This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War]. During the war, approximately 620,000 soldiers lost their lives. In her book Professor Faust explores the impact of this enormous death toll, which would be proportionately equivalent to six million today. At this event she characterized her book as an exploration of the work that death required of Americans during the Civil War including efforts to identify, reclaim, preserve, and bury battlefield dead, the resulting rise of undertaking as a profession, the first widespread use of embalming, the gradual emergence of military graves registration procedures, the development of a federal system of national cemeteries for Union dead, and the creation of private cemeteries in the South that contributed to the cult of the Lost Cause. Following her prepared remarks Ms. Faust responded to questions from members of the audience. At the conclusion of the program Ms. Faust was presented with a copy of a letter that she had written to President Eisenhower at nine-years of age and copies of some Civil War documents. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/203525-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/203525-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Simon Winchester talked about his book [A Crack in the Edge of the World: America and the Great California Earthquake of 1906], published by HarperCollins. The book is an examination of the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 and an analysis of the lasting effect it had on California and continental America well into the twentieth century. Mr. Winchester also explored the nature of earthquakes and what makes them such a destructive force. Following his presentation, he responded to questions and comments from members of the audience. This talk was on October 21, 2005, at the Western Region Center of the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park, California. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/189483-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/189483-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Historian John McMillian recounts the underground newspapers of the 1960s and their affect on the political movements of their time. The author profiles many of the publications, including the Los Angeles Free Press, Berkeley Barb, East Village Other, and Rag (Austin, Texas) and recalls the reportage that marked each paper. According to Mr. McMillian the Federal Bureau of Investigation began monitoring underground newspapers in 1968 and placed many obstacles in the way of their continued publication. John McMillian discussed his book at City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco. He responded to questions from members of the audience. Portions of this program contain language that some may find offensive. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/298488-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/298488-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Ron Chernow spoke about his biography, [Alexander Hamilton], published by Penguin Press. Mr. Chernow examined the remarkable life and career of the Founding Father, and the chief author of [The Federalist] papers, from his upbringing, his military background, and his feuds with the other Founding Fathers, to his premature death at the age of 49. After the discussion, Mr. Chernow answered questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/182191-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/182191-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Isabel Wilkerson spoke about her book [The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration] (Random House, 2010). The book outlines the history of the exodus of six million African Americans out of the Jim Crow South to the North and Midwest during much of the 20th century. She responded to questions from members of the audience at this Aiken Lecture at the Atlanta History Center. She previously worked for the [New York Times] and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing in 1994. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/297188-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/297188-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Pulitzer Prize-winning author Thomas Powers, recounts the controversial death of Native American leader, Crazy Horse, who died September 5, 1877, while in the custody of federal troops. The leader of the Lakota, Crazy Horse defeated General Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. Mr. Powers reports on Crazy Horse's final days amidst a backdrop of Native American and American politics. He responded to questions from members of the audience at the Maine Historical Society in Portland, Maine. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/297088-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/297088-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Fischer talked about his book, [Washington's Crossing], published by Oxford University Press. In the book, the author examines the history behind George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War. Mr. Fischer tells the story of the challenges, triumphs, and problems that Washington encountered in his quest for independence for the thirteen colonies. He responded to questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/180854-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/180854-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Ted Gup talked about his grandfather, Sam Stone, and the anonymous $5 checks he gave to 150 residents of Canton, Ohio, just before Christmas 1933, during the height of the Great Depression. Mr. Stone, writing under the pseudonym B. Virdot, placed an ad in a Canton newspaper on December 18, 1933, asking people affected by the Depression to write to him and describe the difficulties they were experiencing. Soon after, he sent out 150 checks with the promise that the recipients would not be identified. After coming into possession of the letters decades later, Mr. Gup went back to Canton to find out who these unknown recipients were and what ended up happening to them. He responded to questions from members of the audience at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, New York. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/297009-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/297009-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Harlow Unger recounts the life of Patrick Henry, known for his declaration, "give me liberty or give me death." Patrick Henry was an early advocate of the the decision to declare war against the British and a critical voice against the size of the American government following the Revolution. Mr. Unger examines the political career of the four-term governor of Virginia who declined several positions in the national government, including as a senator, chief justice of the Supreme Court, and secretary of state, due to his steadfast criticism of big government. Harlow Unger discussed his book at Red Hill, The Patrick Henry Memorial in Brookneal, Virginia. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/296969-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/296969-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Paul Kengor, political science professor at Grove City College, contends that numerous progressives have assisted America's adversaries. The author examines connections to the Communist Party and profiles high-ranking government officials that he argues were "duped" by foreign governments, including Franklin Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter, and Ted Kennedy. Paul Kengor presented his book at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/296924-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/296924-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Garland Tucker, III, talked about the 1924 presidential election between John Davis and Calvin Coolidge, the last time that both parties fielded conservative candidates. He responded to questions from members of the audience at the Shaftesbury Society Luncheon hosted by the John Locke Foundation in Raleigh, North Carolina. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/296647-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/296647-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Nora Titone recounts John Wilkes Booth's family background and specifically examines the relationship between John and his older brother, Edwin Booth. Born to British actor, Junius Brutus Booth, the siblings aspired to become actors as well. Edwin succeeded and was one of the stars of his day while John struggled in the craft. Ms. Titone explores the rivalry between the Booth brothers and the possible role it played in John Wilkes Booth's assassination of President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theater on April 14, 1865. Nora Titone showed slides as she presented her book at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield, Illinois. She also responded to questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/296476-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/296476-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Pauline Maier presents a history of the ratification process of the U.S. Constitution. Ms. Maier recounts the year-long debates that took place throughout the country following the 1787 Constitutional Convention as the newly released document was pored over by the citizenry. Pauline Maier discussed the debate over the Constitution in the four key states of Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Virginia, and New York for the noon lecture series at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., where she also responded to questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/296482-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/296482-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Thomas Kidd recounts the role religion played in the American Revolution. Professor Kidd contends that it was the belief in the right to worship freely that brought the colonists together, from conservative evangelists to liberal deists, and remained a cohesive element following the Revolutionary War. Thomas Kidd presented his book at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/295712-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/295712-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT William Hogeland recalls the nine weeks leading up to the American Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. He focuses on the debate between the "reconciliationists" led by Pennsylvanian John Dickinson, who wished to remain part of the British Empire, and those who sought independence and were roused into action by Samuel Adams and John Adams of Massachusetts. Mr. Hogeland reports on how the Adams-led independents overturned Pennsylvania's reconiliationist government and how this turn of events progressed to the Continental Congress. William Hogeland discussed his book at a Noontime Lecture Series at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. He also sang a folk song, using a banjo. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294703-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294703-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Historians David and Jeanne Heidler recount the life of the "the Western Star," Henry Clay. The youngest speaker of the House and long time U.S. Senator from Kentucky who served under ten presidents. The Heidler's recall Clay's personal life, which included his fifty-three year marriage and eleven children and his political exploits from his significant role in the Great Compromise to his five unsuccessful campaigns for the presidency. David and Jeanne Heidler presented their book at Ashlands, The Henry Clay Estate, in Lexington, Kentucky. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294176-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294176-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT John Nagy, founding member of the American Revolution Round Table of Philadelphia, presents a history of espionage during the Revolutionary War. Mr. Nagy explores the spy efforts used by the British and the Continental Army that ranged from hidden compartments in hollowed bullets to dictionary codes and musical notation. The author recounts that American commander-in-chief George Washington was very interested in spycraft and counter-intelligence and maintained a large network of spies. John Nagy discussed his book at the Fraunces Tavern Museum in New York City. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/292812-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/292812-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Timothy Egan talked about his book [The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt & the Fire That Saved America] (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; October 19, 2009). He talked about the largest forest fire in American history. On August 20, 1910, drought-ravaged areas of Washington, Idaho, and Montana went up in flames as winds created a massive blaze. A group of 10,000 men were organized by forest rangers to stop the fire that destroyed small towns and national forests and killed nearly 100 people. Mr. Egan recalled the struggles of the fire-fighters that inspired the nation to continue on with former President Teddy Roosevelt's interest in preserving forest land. He responded to questions from members of the audience. This program of the Tucon Festival of Books was held in Gallagher Theater of the Student Union of the University of Arizona. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/292489-4 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/292489-4 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Kathryn Jacob, curator of manuscripts at Harvard University's Schlesinger Library, recalls the political life of Sam Ward who during the mid-19th century was the most powerful lobbyist in Washington, DC. Ward, named the "King of the Lobby" was known for his interest in fine food and wine, which he shared with congressmen in the hopes of influencing their votes. Ms. Jacob reports that many politicians of the time felt that special interests would lead to the demise of democratic government and the press were equally critical of Sam Ward's lobbying. Kathryn Jacob discussed her book at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/292237-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/292237-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Military historian Stanley Weintraub talked about his book [General Sherman's Christmas: Savannah, 1864] (Smithsonian; October 27, 2009). In the book he recounts Union General William Tecumseh Sherman's capture of Savannah, Georgia, on December 22, 1864. The city had been left deserted by Confederate soldiers who retreated to South Carolina. Mr. Weintraub recalls Sherman's march to Savannah and what Christmas was like in the South during the final holiday season of the war. He also talked about how he came to write several books on the theme of Christmas in wartime. He responded to questions from members of the audience. This event was on Wednesday, December 2, 2009, at 7 p.m. at Chester County Book Company in West Chester, Pennsylvania. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/290683-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/290683-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Kira Gale talked about the book she co-wrote, [The Death of Meriwether Lewis: A Historic Crime Scene Investigation] (River Junction Press; April 1, 2009). In the book the authors examine the death of Meriweather Lewis on October 11, 1809. Officially accepted as suicide, his death had always been controversial and an exhumation of his body for a forensic examination long called for. She responded to questions from members of the audience. Kira Gale is the author of [Lewis and Clark Road Trips] and is a co-founder of the Mouth of the Platte Chapter of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation. This program of the Southern Festival of Books was held Saturday, October 10, 2009, at 4:00 p.m. CT in Room 29 of the Legislative Plaza in Nashville, Tennessee. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/289539-5 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/289539-5 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Romesh Ratnesar talked about his book [Tear Down This Wall: A City, a President, and the Speech That Ended the Cold War] (Simon & Schuster; November 3, 2009). He recalls President Ronald Reagan's speech in West Berlin on June 12, 1987, where he pronounced to a crowd of 20,000 people, "Mr. Gobrachev, tear down this Wall!" Mr. Ratnesar explores the genesis of the speech, the dismantling of the Berlin Wall two years after President Reagan's pronouncement, and the partnership between Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev that the author deems brought an end to the Cold War. He responded to questions from members of the audience. November 9, 2009, marked the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Romesh Ratnesar presented his book talk at the Kansas City Public Library on November 5, 2009, in the Central Library. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/289828-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/289828-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Sarah Vowell talked about her book [The Wordy Shipmates] (Riverhead; October 7, 2008). In this book Sarah Vowell, the author of several books including [The Partly Cloudy Patriot] and [Assassination Vacation], presents a history of America's Puritan settlers. Ms. Vowell invokes humor, popular culture, and current misconceptions to reassess the Puritans. Drawing on several sources, including diaries, sermons, and pamphlets of the time, she presents a more complicated populace than is commonly understood. She finds that the differences between the Plymouth Puritans and those led by John Winthrop in Massachusetts were as important as current Sunni/Shia rifts. After reading from her book, Ms. Vowell responded to questions from members of the audience. This event at the Avalon Theatre in Washington, D.C., was sponsored by Politics and Prose Bookstore. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/281722-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/281722-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Francine Prose talked about her book [Anne Frank: The Book, the Life, the Afterlife] (Harper; September 29, 2009). In her book she examines the impact that Anne Frank's diary has had on the history and understanding of the Holocaust. She looks at the work from a literary point of view, examining the early incarnation of the diary and the revisions the young author made and the publication history of the diary, which was passed on by several publishers prior to its initial release. She read and commented on passages from her book. She also responded to questions from members of the audience. This event was held by the Smithsonian Associates on Tuesday, September 29, 2009, at the S. Dillon Ripley Center. Francine Prose is the author of [Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them] and of numerous novels, including [Blue Angel], which was a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction. She is the former president of the PEN American Center. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/289227-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/289227-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Columnist and author Robert Novak was interviewed in his home on Pennsylvania Avenue across the street from the National Archives. He talked about his newly published memoir, [The Prince of Darkness: 50 Years Reporting in Washington], his life and background, his writing habits, and books that have been influential in his life. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/199400-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/199400-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Edith Gelles talked about her book [Abigail and John: Portrait of a Marriage] (William Morrow; April 14, 2009). In her book, Edith Gelles recounts the fifty-four year marriage of Abigail and John Adams. Ms. Gelles focuses on the correspondences between the couple that gives insight into the inner workings of their relationship and the political and social changes that were going on around them. Ms. Gelles talked about why she has studied Abigail Adams for thirty years, challenges of writing women's history, and how she wrote the first joint biography of John and Abigail Adams. After her presentations Ms. Gelles responded to questions from members of the audience. Edith Gelles is the author of several books, including [Abigail Adams: A Writing Life]. She has taught at several universities and is currently a senior scholar at Stanford University's Michelle R. Clayman Institute for Gender Research. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/286930-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/286930-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Ronald White talked about [A. Lincoln: A Biography] (Random House; January 13, 2009). In the book he recounts the life of Abraham Lincoln and adds to the former president's biography via his research of the recently completed Lincoln Legal Papers. He responded to audience members' questions following his remarks. Ronald White, Jr. is the author of several books, including [Lincoln's Greatest Speeches] and [The Eloquent President]. He is currently a visiting history professor at UCLA and a fellow at the Huntington Library. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/283934-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/283934-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Iras Stoll talked about his book [Samuel Adams: A Life] (Free Press, November 4, 2008). In the book Mr. Stoll recalls the life of Samuel Adams, who he argues deserves greater recognition as one of America's founding fathers. Mr. Stoll recounts that Samuel Adams, a highly religious man, believed that God desired a free America and as long as the people remained virtuous, that desire would come to fruition. Samuel Adams assisted in the planning of the Boston Tea Party, and as newspaper editor constantly argued against taxation without representation. Among his remarks, Mr. Stoll spoke on Samuel Adams' background, his thoughts on slavery and religion, and his role in introducing Thanksgiving as a holiday. He responded to audience members' questions. Ira Stoll is vice president and managing editor of the [New York Sun]. He formerly was editor of the [Jerusalem Post], managing editor and Washington correspondent of the [Forward], consultant to the editorial page of the [Wall Street Journal], and a reporter for the [Los Angeles Times]. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/282627-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/282627-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Cokie Roberts talked about her book [Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation], published by William Morrow. In her book Ms. Roberts tells the story of some of early America's notable women and their achievements. She used personal correspondence, private journals, and previously unpublished writings to recount the history of first ladies such as Abigail Adams and Dolley Madison and other women such as Sacajawea and Theodosia Burr, Aaron Burr's daughter. She also responded to questions from members of the audience. This was a presentation at the 8th Annual National Book Festival on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/281368-14 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/281368-14 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Reeve talked about his latest book, [One Day in September: The Full Story of the 1972 Munich Olympics Massacre and the Israeli Revenge Operation "Wrath of God"], published by Arcade Publishing. Mr. Reeve gathered information from the recently released Stasi files and interviews with key figures, including the families of the hostages, politicians, policemen, advisers, fellow athletes, media figures, and also the lone surviving member of the group that carried out the September 5, 1972, attack at the Olympics in Munich, West Germany. Palestinian terrorists kidnapped and killed 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team. This book was published to coincide with the release of the film of the same title, which won the 1999 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. After his presentation he answered questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/160486-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/160486-1 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT