Looking for good history text

[thinkingwoman]

My son (15) has requested an elective history course beginning in January. He has a basic American History course under his belt and wants to learn about WWI and the post WWI period, particularly the politics of it all.

He reads and analyzes info at a college-post college level and is looking for that level of text. He prefers straight history info and analysis as opposed to historical fiction, biography, or textbook style packaging.

We design our courses around reading material and discussion/written reports as follow up. He's looking for a thick book with lots of info because this really fascinates him.

Help! I'm at a loss about what book(s) to purchase for him. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

P.S. Although I am looking for books, I would also welcome any website suggestions as supplemental.

[mzteris]

1. A People's History of the U.S.

by Howard Zinn.

Joy Hakim's US History is pretty good - but a 15 yr would probably find it a bit dumbed down.

The Teaching Company has some excellent history tapes. Most are university level, but they have some high school level as well. From the Fertile Crescent to the (um? American Revolution? Civil War? I forget which event) is supposed to be EXCELLENT. (I have it here somewhere, but ds12 wants to finish his Egyptian History course first.) Teaching Company also has a second course about Am. History.

http://www.teach12.com/teach12.asp?ai=16281

They're kind of pricey, but have pretty good resale value, too. You can get some on EBAY, but make sure you get the video tapes/DVD's instead of just the audio tapes.

[thinkingwoman]

2. thanks for the link

I'll check it out. :-)