A Short History of America

A Short History of America by Simon Jenkins offers a vivid narrative of the United States, from its early colonial days to the modern era.

The book examines how a land long inhabited by diverse indigenous cultures came to be dominated by English speakers, and how the nation grappled with the contradictions between its ideals of liberty and the realities of genocide and slavery.

Jenkins brings to life a cast of characters—from conquistadors and revolutionaries to imperial presidents—and explores the challenges that have shaped America, including the Civil War and recent political upheavals.

The book also reflects on America’s global impact and its future in an increasingly divided world.