From as far back as I can remember it was obvious that U.S. history held a special place in his heart. There were always stacks of books piled on the dining room table. So many nights I slept in the next room to the sound of my father typing. There was something comforting about it.

Click, click, click, click…ding! Ziiiiip.

Click, click, click, click…ding! Ziiiiip.

I can still hear it.

This wasn’t anything he imposed on us. He wasn’t constantly bringing up facts. It was just his thing, something he kept to himself. He was writing his “version” of history. But you can bet I always tried to put my best effort forward in history classes at school.  

We had great family vacations up and down the East Coast, from Canada to Florida, always hitting the historic spots. When my father accepted a job offer and moved with mom to Dallas in 1982, I’m sure the chance to explore that part of the country played a role in his decision. He was following the path of history.

Time flies and life is short. Two facts we must always remember. While in Dallas, my father continued writing, even transferring his 3000+ pages from his typewritten version to computer. Even as cancer took away the use of his writing hand, he used his other hand. Dad died suddenly on November 4^th, 2001. It wasn’t until a few years later that I asked my mom to send me what dad had written. It took me about a page or two before I broke out in tears. Maybe it’s just a proud son speaking, but it was good. It was very good. I had no idea. No idea about the scope and breadth of his work. I felt a sudden obligation to not let this die with him.

I began to contact some literary agents to try and get it published. Most of them had very positive reactions to it, saying they were surprised how professionally written they were, but weren’t sure what to do with them. There are 8 or 9 volumes at 300+ words each. Some commented that since he wasn’t a noted historian it would be hard to sell. Others mentioned that he wasn’t offering anything controversial. I didn’t have much luck. But times change and opportunities present themselves.

The title that he gave to his series of books was simply, “America” We’ve all heard the saying, “this is not my father’s America” but I am proud to say that this is my father’s America. Even if you are the only person to read this book, it is worth it and I thank you.  

Enjoy!