Many times I get leery when subscribing to a magazine through Amazon. From many reviews of various magazines featured here, it appears that sometimes the subscription process hits a snag and the reader never gets what they order, or gets it much later than expected.
I received my first issue of this magazine in a timely manner so if you are considering subscribing to it through amazon, I think you can do it with confidence.
The Magazine: American History is a great historical magazine that provides educational insight into the history of the United States. It's more than that though, like many have experienced, there are still so many untold stories and behind the scenes information that you never learned in school. My December 06 issue featured articles ranging from the Spanish Influenza of 1918 to the Gold Rush of the Yukon. The photography is marvelous and the magazine is not saturated with advertisements, nor is it full of those pesky subscription cards. Behind the scenes of politicians of yester years as well as an article on Americana's Toy "hall of fame" were also intriguing. Towards the end of the magazine there is a book review section by Chuck Leddy. I was also pleased to read an article on the new National Museum of the Marine Corps which despite opening to the public last November, got little coverage on the regular news. Articles on the American Revolution as well as labor strikes at General Motors in the 1930's were also very informative.
The magazine is small, only 82 pages, but considering how few advertisements are in it compared to those thicker mags out there that are clogged with them, I think you get your moneys worth. If you want a great historical magazine on the history of America, look no further than this magazine.
The articles will blow your mind. Did you know the catalytic converter *had not been invented* when the Clean Air Act was enacted? It's an everyday fact of life now, and we take for granted that we can drive cars everywhere and still be able to breathe. But Congress took a leap of faith, and some hardworking Edison-types out in the auto industry found an incredibly practical solution to a problem that many thought could not be solved in a cost-effective way.
I just saw a trailer for the 2008 movie, Flash of Genius, about the guy who invented the intermittent windshield wiper. As a species, we're so good at assimilating stuff like that. Then taking it for granted. And thinking it must have always existed. Or that the idea is obvious. "Heck, *I* could have done that." But we'd all still be living by the seashore and eating raw fish if some hardworking folks hadn't pushed, pulled, dragged us forward, one invention at a time.
This magazine tells their stories. Get it, and see behind the curtain!
This was recommended to me years ago by a friend and I gave it a try. I have learned the most amazing things from this magazine. It only comes out 4 times a year. It's a little skinny thing. There are no ads, though. The publisher took a hiatus for about a year, but apparently it's back.
