With Americans of Past and Present Days

It lacks the objectivity that so many look for in a historical text, as Jusserand is very much promoting the strength of the relationship between the two countries. Significant events, such as the Louisiana Purchase are barely mentioned at all, and large gaps exist between what he covers. His choice of subjects for his essays and addresses vary quite a bit as well. The first three essays are very strong pieces, followed by the weaker essay on Lincoln and then the two weakest pieces of the book.

I gave the original edition four stars, rounding up, but in this case I am going with three stars because I feel it was weakened by the decision to include the piece on Lafayette and the anniversary of the Marne. Jan 05, Dave rated it really liked it Shelves: Instead of providing a st Jean Jules Jusserand - was a diplomat, and an author. Instead of providing a standard complete history of the relationship between the two countries, it is a collection of five essays followed by two speeches, with the majority of the text dealing with the period around the birth of the United States.

The last of the essays is the shortest of all, and it is titled "The Franklin Medal" and it discusses the minting of a special commemorative medal on the second centennial of the birth of Benjamin Franklin as a gift to be given to France. The first of the two addresses is about Horace Howard Furness, who was a philosopher and fellow lover of Shakespeare and who had a high regard for the French translations and commentary of his work. This work seems to be rather out of place in this collection, as it doesn't really relate to history. However, if one looks deeper, they will realize that in fact this entire book is much more about perspectives and relationships between people and between the countries then it is about historical events.

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In this case, it is about a bond which Jusserand formed with Furness through their common love for Shakespeare. Despite these flaws, I am going to give it four stars as it will give the reader a different perspective on the history between the two countries.

You may wish to find a copy of "Brothers in Arms" which was an updated edition of this book released in , and which included an additional chapter "On Lafayette's Birthday". Oct 23, Mike Ehlers rated it liked it Shelves: Interesting pick to win a Pulitzer the first one for History. Jusserand shows both his diplomatic and writing talents here.

Not a traditional history text, and that makes it a valuable read 90 years later.

It consists of a collection of essays, rather than a historical narrative, and Jusserand's bias shows throughout. That bias is to show and strengthen the relationship between America and France. Some essays the ones on Washington and Lincoln are better than others Horace Read this online. But the idea of "Great Americans" influencing other countries is prominent in all of them. If nothing else, it is very intresting to see some popular chapters of American history from a French prespective. George Krzewski rated it really liked it Dec 01, Jekyvsk rated it liked it May 28, Peter rated it did not like it May 23, Stephen rated it liked it Dec 10, Pat rated it liked it Dec 18, Glen rated it it was ok Jan 19, Andre rated it liked it Mar 21, Terri Loeffler rated it liked it May 07, Briana rated it liked it Jul 15, Sean Smith rated it it was ok Feb 07, Andrew rated it liked it Apr 27, George King rated it really liked it Dec 03, Linda marked it as to-read Jan 03, Erin marked it as to-read Dec 15, Analisa Roche marked it as to-read Dec 23, Tammy added it May 06, Joshlynn marked it as to-read Jul 07, Adam Smith marked it as to-read Sep 17, James marked it as to-read Apr 19, Nikki marked it as to-read Jun 24, Don't have an account?

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Kindle Edition Verified Purchase. Its a factual book that's worth the read.

Jean Jules Jusserand - was a diplomat, and an author. He was the French ambassador to the United States from to , and during that time he wrote and published "With Americans of Past and Present Days" which was the winner of the first Pulitzer Prize in History in The work was a look at the relations between the United States and France up to that point in time. Instead of providing a standard complete history of the relationship between the two countries, it is a collection of five essays followed by two speeches, with the majority of the text dealing with the period around the birth of the United States.

The first, and longest, essay is titled "Rochambeau and the French in America", and covers the relationship between Rochambeau and Washington, as well as the attitudes of the French towards the Americans, and the English, and their motives for helping the United States achieve its independence. It also covers to some extent the biography of Rochambeau after the revolution was over. Interestingly enough, though not all of the Major's ideas were implemented initially and the Major was dismissed before the work was completed, he was vindicated when the Park Commission and the Senate committee issued reports on the city in , they wrote "The original plan of the city of Washington having stood the test of a century, has met universal approval.

The departures from that plan are to be regretted, and wherever possible, remedied.

Washington never had a chance to visit France, but his record of correspondence is quite clear. One of the most interesting areas was where Washington wrote about the revolution in France: In a word, the revolution is of too great a magnitude to be effected in so short a space, and with the loss of so little blood.

The next essay is simply titled "Abraham Lincoln", and it covers the attitudes of the French towards the great man. Just as the French took the cause of liberty to heart during our revolution, they greatly admired Lincoln for his stance against slavery. Jusserand's discussion of the reaction of the French to Lincoln's death really puts into perspective how much they thought of him.

The last of the essays is the shortest of all, and it is titled "The Franklin Medal" and it discusses the minting of a special commemorative medal on the second centennial of the birth of Benjamin Franklin as a gift to be given to France. The French, of course, were enamored with Franklin and Franklin likewise was a strong supporter of the French.

With the earthquake destroying San Francisco at around the same time, the French in return minted a special medal depicting a city rising from the ruins which was given to the mayor in The first of the two addresses is about Horace Howard Furness, who was a philosopher and fellow lover of Shakespeare and who had a high regard for the French translations and commentary of his work.

This work seems to be rather out of place in this collection, as it doesn't really relate to history. However, if one looks deeper, they will realize that in fact this entire book is much more about perspectives and relationships between people and between the countries then it is about historical events. In this case, it is about a bond which Jusserand formed with Furness through their common love for Shakespeare.

Given the period in which this book was written, it should come as no surprise that the final address is about war, or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that it is about peace.