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America: Empire of Liberty

The Complete BBC Radio 4 Series

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America: Empire of Liberty

By: David Reynolds
Narrated by: David Reynolds
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About this listen

David Reynolds' major BBC Radio 4 series explores the origins of the contemporary United States from its beginnings to the present day.

This epic narrative tells America's story through the voices of those who lived it - presidents and farmers, mothers and children, settlers and soldiers, slaves and Indians. The series celebrates the country's achievements but also examines its paradoxes by investigating three abiding themes of American life: empire, liberty and faith.

"Empire of Liberty": from the arrival of Native Americans from Asia to the slave trade and the forced relocation of the Indians, the first series describes how the United States expanded to cover a whole continent, laying the foundations of a superpower - if the country could remain united.

"Power & Progress": the second series depicts the tragedy and heroism of the Civil War (1861-65), which finally ended slavery - though not racial discrimination - and the dynamism of the reunited nation as it grew into an industrial giant. America's role in the Second World War is also examined.

"Empire & Evil": the final series chronicles America's long struggle with the Soviet Union and examines the effect of that confrontation on American values, particularly in Vietnam and Watergate. The country's struggle to overcome its racist past led from the civil rights movement to its first black president. Also examined is the impact of Elvis on popular music, the battle over abortion and the story of the personal computer and the information revolution.

©2017 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2017 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
Social Sciences
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What listeners say about America: Empire of Liberty

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Essential listening...Beautifully told

David Reynolds is a fabulous historian... his ability to entertain while weaving the complex history of the United States of America Into a most accessible narrative is remarkable.... In addition to the BBC renowned production skills including actual original sound / archive recordings. This Is essential listening ... excellent..!

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David Reynolds is a Ledge

iv watched several of David Reynolds documentaries over the years and I think without a doubt he is one of the best storytellers out there.

Empire of Liberty is no exception, a great insight into American history told it in a way which keeps you gripped and interested.

A must for any history fans out there. loved it.

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easy listening march through US history

engaging and well paced and well narrated. thoroughly enjoyed every minute. thought provoking without getting overly heavy and pedantic

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Superb journey through the history of the USA

I have enjoyed this so much I will no doubt listen again in the future. Full of many interesting facts that have widened my view on a number of issues. It has also been a sobering reminder of how so much changes in such a short time and how mistakes reverberate down the ages.

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Fantastic overview of American History

Easily digestible and entertaining comprehensive history of the USA. The short, 15 minute chapters make it easy to keep up and the performance style keeps it from being dry.

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Excellent

Excellent on all fronts, the production and the interpretation. Really enjoyed if it jumped periods when dealing with certain topics. Highly recommend

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Comprehensive and fascinating

A complete history of the United States of America. Fascinating listening for anyone that wants to learn about how the USA came to be how it is today

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Absolutely fantastic.

Enjoyed it so much I bought the book too. Hopefully we'll see an update - plenty more recent history to talk about... (the day of the Capitol Hill riots...)

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Interesting and well-presented story.

I enjoyed the whole story, the use of multiple voices really adding to the effect.

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