In 1790; America was in enormous debt; having depleted what little money and supplies the country had during its victorious fight for independence. Before the nation's greatest asset; the land west of the Ohio River; could be sold it had to be measured out and mapped. And before that could be done; a uniform set of measurements had to be chosen for the new republic out of the morass of roughly 100;000 different units that were in use in daily life.Measuring America tells the fascinating story of how we ultimately gained the American Customary System—the last traditional system in the world—and how one man's surveying chain indelibly imprinted its dimensions on the land; on cities; and on our culture from coast to coast.
#230846 in Books 2008-05-06 2008-05-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.30 x 6.00l; 1.36 #File Name: 0451223926576 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This book could have been better writtenBy JasperThis is a good study of the various generals who managed and developed the various tactics and eventual defeat of the Germans and Japanese during WWII. Their interpersonal relationships among British; American and Soviet leaders is fascinating making one wonder how we ever won the war in the first place. However; this is a difficult book to read. The sentence structure throughout the book is terrible forcing one to re-read some paragraphs over several times in order to understand what the author is saying. The organization is also confused seeming to jump all over the place without any reason. I am surprised that this book ever got published without a better editorial review; but maybe is was too much to deal with for any one editor. The stories of the fights and posturing between the military and political is interesting; but be ready for a long slog through the material.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A Fine Overview of Three Great American GeneralsBy Cody CarlsonStanley Weintraub's "15 Stars: Eisenhower; MacArthur; Marshall: Three Generals who Saved the American Century" is an engaging look at three generals who forever left their stamp upon American history. This work succeeds in showing the men; warts and all; in their struggles to win World War II and beyond. The author highlights the antagonisms; egos; brilliance; sacrifice; and dedication to duty that all three shared. Weintraub correctly paints them as soldier statesmen; officers whose rank made them as much diplomats as warriors. The book does have its flaws; however. Conceptually; a look at the generals during World War II would have made more sense than the half-hearted look at the men after than conflict. World War II takes up about 400 pages of this 500 page tomb and the last few chapters feel tacked on; more an epilogue than an in-depth continuation of the study. Both MacArthur and Marshall's deaths are accorded several pages; Ike got barely a paragraph. Weintraub justifies this by stating that after MacArthur's death their lives ceased to intertwine. Additionally; one would have liked a closer looked at the general's strategies during the war- this book is a shared biographical sketch; however; not an true military history.Despite its flaws "15 Stars" really shines in a few areas. One comes to appreciate the tireless and thankless work of George C. Marshall; as he struggled to organize the American military establishment and coordinate strategy with an antagonistic British ally. MacArthur is shown as the egotist that he was; yet still Weintraub manages to convey his brilliant leadership that won the hearts of his men and the respect of a grateful nation. Eisenhower's personal life; such as his relationship with Kay Summersby are front and center; as is his often stumbling presidency. Nevertheless Ike is shown as a meticulous and intelligent military man whose daring and determination added greatly to the Allied cause against Hitler.This is an interesting and informative book about three men whose contributions to their nation stand unparalleled in history. Recommended for anyone who has a greater desire to understand the American personalities who fought World War II from the top.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. David's ReviewBy David J. CadeFascinating account of the interaction of three of the four most famous U.S. general officers in the 20th century (and the fourth; Blackjack Pershing; of WWI fame; knew the other three very well and had a behind-the-scenes role with each of them in WWII; including direct communications with FDR -- which is also covered in this masterly work). These three giants all had unique personalities and operating styles; they collaborated when necessary; sometimes begrudgingly; and clashed on many occasions. Of the three; the ultimate arbiter was George Marshall -- who groomed Ike; put him in place as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe and then kept him on a short leash. Marshall also hand-massaged the supremely egotistical Douglas MacArthur to keep him in line throughout the war in the Pacific despite MacArthur's frequent paranoia about Washington. And of course; Ike and MacArthur (Ike once was MacArthur's aide) grew to despise each other. All of these not-so-well-known nuances are brilliantly addressed by the author. A great read!
