This volume begins where the last volume ended-- with the events leading up to World War I. Bennett uses the outline of American history but then fills in the outline with anecdotes and quotes. This doesn't give the reader an in depth view of American history, but it gives one a panoramic view. From time to time, he sinks a post hole and goes for more depth. As he approaches the 1970s, his writing becomes more personal since he was involved in the politics at that time. The presidency of Ronald Reagan becomes almost a biographical account of Reagan's presidency, but Reagan's presidency does tie into the theme of the two books. He adds a lot of footnotes that are immensely interesting but would interrupt the flow of the narrative. Did you know that William Bennett dated Janis Joplin?! As in the last book, he writes as if he is sitting next to you telling you a story. These two volumes are good overview of the history of the United States. ( )