Contemporary writers and historians examine America's national character, looking at events throughout history, including the 1876 presidential election, the civil rights movement, and the Vietnam War. During the last 15 years, Lamb has been the host of C-SPAN's Booknotes and has interviewed more than 750 authors of nonfiction books. In this new collection, Lamb has selected 72 original pieces from these interviews and has edited them into essays. Their topics span 225 years of the American experience. They include Michael Moore (views from the Left), Ann Coulter (views from the Right), Michael Korda (memoirs of Presidents Reagan and Nixon), Arthur Schlesinger Jr. (American multiculturalism), Sandra Day O'Connor (the early years of the first female justice), Isaac Stern (his life and music), David Von Drehle (the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire), and Richard Lingeman (Sinclair Lewis). The book is divided into sections entitled "The Nation's Leaders," "Social and Political Movements in America," "America at War," "A Nation of Law and Order," "American Inventors and Businessmen," and "Our Cultural Heritage." Readers who watch Lamb's engrossing TV interviews will welcome the book. George Cohen Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved "A good summary of books that have lasting importance and...are fun to read. Who could ask for more?" -- David Kinchen, Huntington News "Brian Lamb and his contributors provide a real service in putting so many fine American characters on display." -- The Weekly Standard, May 3, 2004 "Brian Lamb and his contributors provide a real service in putting so many fine American characters on display." -- The Weekly Standard , May 3, 2004 "Historians and journalists unlikely to be seen on commercial tv....A dispassionate tour of American conflict..." -- USA Today "Presents 72 whip-smart perspectives..." -- Time Out New York , March 25, 2004 "a useful grab bag for both little peeks and thoughtful contemplations of U.S. history and its meanings for the present... -- Los Angeles Times Book Review , May 16, 2004 Brian Lamb, the founding CEO of C-SPAN, has been the host of Booknotes since its inception in 1989. He has read each of the 765 books that Booknotes has featured. Lamb lives in Arlington, Virginia.