Don't Know Much About History

Who really discovered America? What was “the shot heard ‘round the world”? Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: Did he or didn’t he?

From the arrival of Columbus through the bizarre election of 2000 and beyond, Davis carries readers on a rollicking ride through more than 500 years of American history. In this updated edition of the classic anti-textbook, he debunks, recounts, and serves up the real story behind the myths and fallacies of American history.

A new, completely revised, expanded and updated edition of the million-selling New York Times bestseller that launched the entire Don’t Know Much About® series
Paperback $13.95 | ISBN: 0060083824 | Hardcover $26.95 | ISBN: 0060083816

Get the e-book 10.95

Did You Know?

In 1963, America was buzzing with talk about Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique. — Don’t Know Much About History, (p.450)

German subs destroyed nearly 4.5 million tons of Allied ships in the first two months of 1940. — Don’t Know Much About History, (p.370)

The Battle of Bunker Hill was actually fought on Breed’s Hill. — Don’t Know Much About History, (p.71)

Richard Nixon used more than $10 million in government funds for improvements on his private homes. — Don’t Know Much About History, (p.505)

The 1800 presidential election between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr was tied at 73 electoral votes each. — Don’t Know Much About History, (p.625)

The 18th Amendment prohibited “the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors” in the U.S. — Don’t Know Much About History, (p.329)

After the Revolutionary War, national foreign debt was estimated at $11,710,379. — Don’t Know Much About History, (p.103)

U.S. Steel, financed by Andrew Carnegie in 1900, was the first billion-dollar corporation. — Don’t Know Much About History, (p.267)

World War I cost America 130,174 lives and $32 billion. — Don’t Know Much About History, (p.317)

In 1915, the German Embassy published newspaper ads warning Americans not to sail on British ships in the Atlantic. — Don’t Know Much About History, (p.306)