For those who like to read fascinating, well-written books in the summer, rather than airheaded potboilers, I have two books to recommend, both written by authors who once worked for me. I’m in the middle of both, and look forward to reading more.
In historical order, the first is War on the Run: The Epic Story of Richard Rogers and the Conquest of America’s First Frontiers, by John F. Ross. It’s the story of Richard Rogers, the ranger scout whom I had never heard of, who led daring attacks on the French during the French and Indian Wars, and whose rules for rangers have continuing relevance for special forces today. John worked for me more than 25 years ago, as a researcher for The Almanac of American Politics; now he is editor of American Heritage. He is also an intrepid outdoorsman and has hiked over the same trails where Rogers led troops some 240 years ago.
The other is American Passage: The History of Ellis Island, by Vincent Cannato. This is a definitive history of Ellis Island, the immigrant entry port opened in the 1890s, through which so many of our ancestors traveled. It is at the same time a history of the debate over American immigration policy and a collection of personal accounts of Ellis Island immigrants: macro and micro at the same time. Vin worked for me as a researcher on my immigration book, The New Americans: How the Melting Pot Can Work Again, and is now a professor at the University of Massachusetts in Boston.
You’ve still got time to get these books for Fourth of July weekend reading. Each tells an important part of the American story which most of us (including me) haven’t known as much as we should. And both John and Vin have written other books as well, which I heartily recommend. I’m proud to have been associated with these two authors and am delighted though not surprised to see that they have produced such wonderful work.
