Here is the raw material for one thousand novels….incomparable.—Margaret AtwoodIn this unique look at one of our most pervasive national myths; Studs Terkel persuades an extraordinary range of Americans to articulate their version of "The American Dream." Beginning with an embittered winner of the Miss U.S.A. contest who sees the con behind the dream of success and including an early interview with a highly ambitious Arnold Schwarzenegger; Terkel explores the diverse landscape of the promise of the United States—from farm kids dreaming of the city to city kids determined to get out; from the Boston Brahmin to the KKK member; from newly arrived immigrants to families who have lived in this country for generations; these narratives include figures both famous and infamous. Filtered through the lens of our leading oral historian; the chorus of voices in American Dreams highlights the hopes and struggles of coming to and living in the United States.Originally published in 1980; this is a classic work of oral history that provides an extraordinary and moving picture of everyday American lives.
#4417319 in Books Turner 1999-06-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.40 x .50 x 6.00l; .0 #File Name: 1563115042128 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Double Aces in Two WarsBy BillA quick read which includes some of the lesser know aces of WWII who came back and did it again during the Korean War. Good info which can't be found elsewhere.A good read on America's only Aces in two wars.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful reminder of our Military HeroesBy Carol CainMy Uncle is one of the "Inner Seven"; but unfortunately I never got to meet him. This was a fascinating read of his; and the other 6; military service. I've heard and read alot but this puts it all into perspective. Well done.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Inner Seven-America's Two War AcesBy Lawrence R. MayesAuthors Oliver and Lorenz have written an unusual book which focuses on seven men who had the rare distinction of being the only American pilots to achieve "Ace" status flying piston powered aircraft in World War II and jet aircraft in Korea. The book chronicles the exploits of each of the seven with brief narratives of their lives prior to entering the military; with more detailed coverage of their exploits in combat; culminating in how their lives have continued into the recent past; except for George Davis; the only Medal Of Honor winner among the seven; who was killed in aerial combat. At the end of each individual's history is a listing of the aircraft type; date and location of their aerial victories and the pilot's decorations and awards. The most compelling entry in the book is a very thought provoking FORWARD written by B. G. Robin Olds; USAF (Retired). This book contains relatively brief glimpses of the seven subjects; with most of the combat stories and narrative in the third person; with only occasional personal presentations by the principals. The authors make an effort to find those traits which made these pilots unique in their achievements; yet much is left to the speculation of the reader; as the analysis provided tends to be somewhat shallow. The reader looking for the "first person" insights of these unusual men will find the text limited in this regard. Unfortunately; the volume provided for review suffers from having a number of its pages poorly photocopied and pasted into the book. The book also would have benefited from more judicious editing which would have corrected a number of grammatical and content errors. The book is interesting reading; but is not in the depth or detail that would attract the serious aerial warfare historian or reader.
