In Search of America

Rating:
Summary: It had potential
Review: I was so excited to receive this book in the mail but was saddened and disheartened by its representation of the Mormon faith (I know by writing this some may get the book simply for that.) I feel that the authors would have written a far different story had they actually spoken to a member of this Church. Whether or not they believe as we do, this people's history is integral and closely entwined to this country's. My hope that those who read this realize that the information listed (regarding the basic beliefs of the Mormon religion) is false and distorted. And while I cede this book was not written for those seeking to know more of this Church, I am disappointed because I know some will close this book and it will become all they've ever learned of it. I encourage you to carefully consider purchasing a book that contains this false information.
This fact alone made me put down the book... Thus I cannot review any of the remaining content.

Rating:
Summary: Peter Jenning's lack of science.
Review: I was very disappointed to see the value of the science and fact of evolution degraded by only reproting the story of one man's fanatical and (even though he worked in nuclear science) unscientific war against reason and science.

Creation as a biological theory has been tested over and over by scientists and the evidence plainly shows that it does not explain how there are many species of animals. Evolution explains and fits the available fact, has been tested rigoursly by many branches of science, is falsifiable and thus a subject for science (creationism is not), and is now considered a unifying biological principal, accepted as fact by almost all practicing biologists.

There is not much usable science in a multi-translated Bronze Age book, the bible, and I would argue very little philosophical value. It requires faith to be believed.

Peter Jennings and his co-author have done a disservice to the truth. I am sorely disappointed in this book.

Rating:
Summary: Worth the time
Review: Peter Jennings narrates this abridged series of interesting vignettes about Americans living in America and by doing so creating and recreating America. He examines the old tensions in our democracy like big or small federal government, corporatism versus individualism, and secularism versus religious fervor. In some cases he elevates historical figures too highly, like Jefferson, despite his seditious writings in the Kentucky Resolutions, and W E B Du Bois, despite his socialist rantings from early in the century. Jennings and Brewster would have done well to feature other more worthy people in their book. I enjoyed the profile of the Club for Growth using populist tactic against unresponsive Republicans, and the profile of CFG's mouldy counterpart on the left. The heart rending story of Gary, Indiana and its misinformed leaders is a cautionary tale to any group in America that expects to dwell for long periods at the federal trough, administrations and sentiments change, don't get too comfortable. I would have liked to have heard how outside threats have molded our country (aside from 9-11), because I feel that it defines a portion of the core of our country. Start at the XYZ affair up to the communist involvement in the FDR administration and I think you have rounded out a view of America more fully. Perhaps this is in the unabridged version.

Rating:
Summary: Skipping Across the Country to find History.
Review: Since this is one of those special over-size books, I was expecting just a beautiful keepsake, a coffee table item. Its glossy exterior gives that impression. And yet the in-depth stories are chock full of historical facts and modern happenings as a result of what had happened before.

The "Boulder" feature held my interest as it is steeped full of music history. Even used a bit of political humor as background. John Adams, the 'voice of self-control' in 1787, as the Constitution was drafted was used as an example. His sense of happiness came from benevolelnt qualities and 'virtue'; he was concerned about the high percentage of the population back then who were succumbing to alcohol intoxication, extravagance, vice (gambling?) amd folly. I had thought that was just the way of life those folks had to show they were 'somebody.' He pushed for more government control to stem this corruption. Washington and Jefferson, on the other hand, espoused the consumption of wines. Today, drugs are considered worse than that national "disease."

The early American humor included making fun of backwoodsmen (like Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone), the minstrel shows (black-face) and the Yankee. In the South, we still feel that way sometimes about the latter.

In 1904, the Yankee Doodle Dandy performed by George Cohan on Broadway led the way in the first 'truly American' musical, LITTLE JOHNNY JONES. James Cagney portrayed him in the movie named after the song.

There is interesting information about how "You're A Grand Old Rag" was changed to the classic, 'You're A Grand Old Flag.' His inspiration was by a chance-remark he had overheard by a Civil War veteran who survived Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg.

It was Irving Berlin's 'God Bless America' which was revived (from Cohan's time when 'Over There' was used to rally the American soldiers in foreign lands) for the next war by Kate Smith. Now, I guess it is 'God Bless the U.S.A."

Oscar Hammerstein II's lyrics in SHOW BOAT and OKLAHOMA left a legacy for future musicals. His grandfather, the first Oscar, was involved in vaudeville in New York. Clifton Fadiman (everyone has heard of him) compared the Hammersteins in the area of theater to the Adams family (John, John Quincy, Charles, and Henry) in the political arena of American life.

Jerome Kern and Richard Rodgers' music brought the words alive with simple, democratic messages. "Song is nothing more than speech in the form of lyrics; drama nothing more than a staged representation of ordinary life" in the musicals these greats produced. They came out with CAROUSEL, THE KING AND I, and SOUTH PACIFIC after their previous successes.

Lerner and Loewe followed in their tracks with CAMELOT, BRIGADOON, and MY FAIR LADY while Frank Loesser scored with GUYS AND DOLLS. Hammerstein went on his own to produce CARMEN JONES, an Americanized 'opera' version of Bizet's 'Carmen' with an all-black cast. His protege, Stephen Sondheim, paired with Jerome Robbins for WEST SIDE STORY, an 'American' adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet.' Sondheim wrote the music for GYPSY, FOLLIES, and A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, one of my favorites. In fact, I love most of these musicals as movie versions.

The sheet music brought back memories of taking mine, which I had bought in the records department of Woodruff's store (on the mezzinine), as I took part in 'Your Show Time' on t.v. 'Teen Time' on the stage of the Tennessee Theater which was also broadcast over a local radio station, and other local talent shows when I was young. The photos of the composers was great.

The other 'feature' which spoke to me in particular was concerning the Scopes trial in 1925. This was America's first nationally broadcast courtroom drama, not necessarily because of the subject matter but due to the lawyers involved. Clarence Darrow beat William Jennings Bryan in this case, "a turning point in American history."

John Scopes was the 'radical' young teacher who bucked the system to test the law in Tennessee which banned the teaching of evolution in public schools. The fine was nominal, so in effect it was a hollow victory. In South Carolina now, a scientiest has turned the tables (again) and causing quite a stir with a self-published book, 'Oatmeal with Raisins,' promoting the biblical interpretation of the creation of life. Coming from Florida, he seems intent on changing life in another state to suit his beliefs, as outsiders are prone to do. In Tennessee, we have that problem, also, as the 'new' property owners want to take over and change things.

He was upset by the University Theater production of 'Inherit the Wind.' My son's acting role was as one of the children in his dad's college-directed play at Martin in Pulaski, Tennessee; it was a learning experience for him. And no criticism whatsoever from the public.

These are just a couple of the well-researched 'stories' in this fantastically put-together book by these two television editors. They have previously been successful with 'The Century' and 'The Century for Young People.' I am the proud owner of this volume and even bought two extras to give as gifts.

Rating:
Summary: Peter Jenning's lack of science.
Review: This book, like its best selling predecessor also written by Jennings and Todd Brewster about the over-riding nature of the events of the 20h century, is a very well researched and immensely entertaining look at America and its inhabitants. Although obviously designed for popular culture and prominent display on coffee tables across the land, it is indeed a compelling collection of disparate elements weaving a patchwork quilt glimpse at the pluralistic nature of our society and our people.

This book also capitalizes on the impressive range of data collected by ABC-TV in preparation for their superb "In Search Of America" series of televised documentaries, and the book therefore has a virtual cornucopia of offering for the reader to use in coming to appreciate the dynamic diversity that is such a celebrated aspect of American life. Whether investigating civic arguments about the separation of church and state or existential concerns of Latinos in the land of the Mormons, the reader can find an almost endless variety of facts, anecdotes, and examples of all that we have cause to find pride in as American citizens.

In essence, the book represents an absorbing attempt by Jennings and Brewster to explore the stated national ideals they believe are the defining and driving forces for our culture. And the work they have accomplished in delivering this vision of contemporary America is an impressive display of how to usefully employ eyewitness anecdotes with elements of contemporary history in service to a lavishly produced and excellently articulated narrative about the current state of the polity and the society at large.

In times of such turmoil and emotional distress, it is wonderful to have such a glowing look at our collective enterprise as is offered here. It is indeed a splendidly executed effort that travels the breadth and length of the land to illustrate to us just how durable, adaptable, and pragmatic a people we are, and how well our social fabric and our cultural values serve us in times like those we live in. I can highly recommend this book. Enjoy!