Read What People Have To Say About History, HST and the History Speaks Today Books.

About the HST Book - "Too Big?"

About the HST Book - "Gun Mania"

• September 23, 2020   Stan R. - Arizona:
  Bruce, I could not agree more with your conclusions (9/5 blog) … Yes, Blacks are 13% of us, yet they perpetrate 50% of homicides … I don't have a solution & as global anger grows, I believe the problem will live on long after you and I are gone.  Keep up your wonderfully great work.
• April 30, 2020   Ed K. - Missouri:
  I suggested your new book "Gun Mania" to our local library …
• June 29, 2020   Jan A. - Washington:
  a meticulously researched book regarding gun use and issues.  He begins with a thorough compilation of the origins, differences, and current issues of gun culture in the countries historically most influenced culturally by England … Then gun deaths are presented and analyzed from several different perspectives … statistics conclude that gun control laws historically do not prevent gun suicide or homicide
  
  This book is an in depth read, devoid of any hysteria, and does give much to ponder regarding the gun situation in America.
• April 30, 2020   Charles P. - Texas:
  "Gun Mania" is an in depth study of five countries history, culture, statistics, and values related to use of guns.  Highlighted is the United States unique obsession with guns and while accounting for a small percentage of deaths mass murders trigger the most vocal call and focus on gun control.
  
  "Gun Mania" offers unbiased challenges and examples for consideration on how to reduce overall suicide, homicide and violent crime rates through responsible action.   I found it a wake up call and without reservation recommend it for individuals and society wrestling with the big picture of gun control.
• April 21, 2020   Geofrey S. - Iowa:
  Wow
  Amazing insight. Finally now I understand the real cause and potential solution to our gun violence problem
• April 13, 2020   Dave H. - Texas:
  This is an excellent analysis and impartial view of the firearms subject.  I found it not only interesting but very informative on a factual basis.  This is an excellent author who does an exceptional amount of investigation of the facts and presents those facts in an unbiased way for each reader to reach their own conclusions.
• February 11, 2020   Dennis L. - Indiana:
  I love history and the subject is alive and well right now... it... made me look at the issue with more understanding.
• December 30, 2019   K.C. Finn, Readers' Favorite:
  “Sociological, political and emotionally intelligent, this is a practical work that explores the deeper considerations that underlie gun culture and the attitudes towards how to 'fix' a mislabeled problem ... Thatcher moves from exploration to exploration and builds his points well with the use of statistics and historical, cultural information ... His comparisons are intelligent and fully aware of the worldwide issues surrounding violent crime as well as the close-up problems that people face in daily life in the United States of America today.
  
  Gun Mania delivers exactly what it promises: a brand new perspective that has been learned the hard way and one that will only be resolved when people take more notice of excellent and well-supported ideas like those in this book.”
• December 15, 2019   D. Brownlee - Pennsylvania:
  This is a must-read for anyone interested in gun rights, either for or against.  The book provides detailed data and descriptions of gun experience in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and provides an excellent analysis of the data and helpful suggestions for actions that can be taken to reduce gun violence while respecting gun rights.
• November 30, 2019   William S. - Indiana:
  TERRIFIC READ !
• November 25, 2019   Joy B. - Texas:
  We are exposed to shootings, homicides and suicides on a daily basis, through all types of media, and sometimes, sadly, through our own personal experiences.  This book gives some unique perspectives to the ongoing debate on how to stop the madness.  Gun Mania is relevant, thought provoking, and a MUST READ for everyone who cares about gun violence.
• November 6, 2019   Diane D. - Midwest Book Review:
  Another big plus to this survey over other discussions of gun rights and issues lies in Thatcher's ability to gather statistics and present and discuss them in a reasoned manner to reach all readers, whether their opinions be pro-gun, anti-gun, or lie somewhere in the middle ... the kind of book that competitors may aspire to, but few achieve.
  
  Gun Mania offers a reasoned analysis of guns in society which surveys their history, evolution, impact, and psychological influence. No collection strong in social issues in general, cultural cross-comparisons, or gun control politics should be without this well-reasoned study.

About the HST Book - "Rise and Decline"

• October 21, 2020   Warren B. - Florida:
  Good stuff.  There are a lot of short-sightedness folks in this world.  A saying that I have used in times like these:
  
  "History is not there for you to like or dislike.  It is there for you to learn from it.  And if it offends you, even better.  Because then you are less likely to repeat it.  It's not yours to erase.  It belongs to all of us."   
• October 21, 2020   Mary B. - Kansas:
  Your take is always interesting.  On this one my reply is: Which is worse, tyranny from the majority?  Or, tyranny from the minority?   
• October 19, 2020   David L. - Texas:
  Thank you … for another clarifying of our complex history (tyranny of the majority re electoral college).   
• October 16, 2020   Marianne G. - Texas:
  Thanks … I learned some new things about our constitution.  
• September 30, 2020   Pamela P. - Texas:
  Thank you for the (9/26) blog.  You are spot on; my thoughts are the same. 
• September 28, 2020   Carole K. - Texas:
  Great (9/26) blog!!! 
• December 8, 2017   Larry C. - Texas:
  I have enjoyed other books written by Mr. Thatcher and, in my opinion, "Rise and Decline" is his best work.
• August 21, 2017   Dave H. - Texas:
  MOST INTERESTING !!!!!!!!!!!! … Great read, great work, most thought provoking.
• August 11, 2017   Jane M. - Texas:
  Loved the format and suggestions for reading.  Since I'm not a history scholar, having the "big picture" helped a lot and can then use book as "reference" when want more details about specific era.
• August 8, 2017   Dave B. - Pennsylvania:
  Rise and Decline is a great treatise on the history of the rise and decline of (six nations) and provides incisive explanation and analysis of the reasons for the rise and fall of each.  Chapter 25 on "What Does It Mean for Us" is thought-provoking and well reasoned.
• July 18, 2017   Jim B. - Texas:
  Wonderful!!  Every congressman should read it.  Passing it on to my sons.
• May 5, 2017   Ted W. - Iowa:
  I look forward to the receipt of Bruce's book.  The subject is of great interest to me...

About the HST Book "Immigration"

• October 14, 2016   William S. - Indiana:
  An encyclopedic approach to one of the world's major problems.  Thatcher breaks the issues into components and analyzes each in the context of a variety of national approaches tried with varying degrees of success in the past.  (Other offerings) usually contain some hidden agenda.  Not so with (Immigration), a clinician's report, not a polemic endorsing of one or another approach ... should be on the desks of analysis and policy wonks around the globe, used as a reference and a guide to decision-making.
• October 13, 2016    Norm B. - Florida:
  A must read for US voters and all public officials ... extensive insight into immigration successes and potential shortcomings from mismanagement of policies.
• July 23, 2016    Jim M. - Illinois:
  This book is a must-read.  It provides excellent examples of immigration policies from across the globe and over an extended time.  Presentations are factual and well organized; each ends with an analysis of the successes and short-comings of the process … not a casual read, but clearly written.
• July 21, 2016    Dave B. - Pennsylvania:
  ... excellent history of immigration in several countries ... provides a thorough analysis of the pluses and minuses of the immigration laws and policies of (those) countries ... should be read by politicians and laymen alike ...
• July 7, 2016    Pamela P. - Texas:
  As an immigrant and concerned citizen, I found "Immigration" to be a serious thought provoking read, entirely relevant to the distressing issues we are faced with every day.  I highly recommend this scholarly written book to all concerned citizens.
• July 7, 2016    Bill P. - Texas:
  This book hits the mark in identifying three guiding principles that have repeatedly resulted in the success or failure of national immigration policies.  We should heed the lessons derived from these studies.
• July 7, 2016    Larry C. - Texas:
  Thatcher has done an outstanding job presenting the results of his research in a clear, objective way.  I could not have chosen a better book to educate myself on an issue of vital importance to our national interest.
• July 6, 2016    Charles P. - Texas:
  Carefully researched, insightful and challenging, it lifted my vision and understanding of the subject beyond limiting emotional response.  Giving the sense of history is instructive in not repeating past mistakes and gives hope.
• July 6, 2016    Linda L. - Texas:
  Thatcher's informative and thought-provoking book was used in an evening book study group.  I recommend that all forward-thinking people read and discuss this book with everyone they know.
• July 5, 2016    Joe W. - Texas:
  Lives up to its title.  Every attempt to deal with immigration would benefit by considering all the attempts mentioned in this book.
• July 5, 2016    Carolyn S. - Texas:
  Brilliantly captures history and gives us valuable ideas we can use today!  A must read for anyone wanting to know more about what got us where we are and next steps for moving forward.
• September 1, 2015   (radio talk show host) Bill Martinez – California:
  absolutely fascinating, it will open your eyes and your heart to some practical solutions... that you wish every one of our legislators were certainly aware of...
• July 23, 2015   (radio talk show host) Bill Martinez – California:
  a breakthrough book... based on data and research, empirical evidence... these are things that we need to learn from history...
• October 3, 2013   Sudha B. - Florida:
  A very informative work which deals with the immigration policies of several countries.  I was particularly interested (that) the author does not consider Canada as a "success" story … in my experience, as an immigrant to Canada 50 years ago, I could not agree more.  The author frames the debate with great skill.
• May 31, 2013   Natasha J. – Readers' Favorite:
  These days it is nearly impossible to talk about a controversial issue such as immigration without the conversation turning contentious.  That is exactly why (IMMIGRATION) is so refreshing.  Instead of manipulating the facts to fit his narrative, Thatcher approaches the problems of immigration from a historical perspective so that the reader can see the flaws that actually exist rather than perceived flaws presented by those with an agenda.  By laying out successful and unsuccessful immigration policies around the globe, this historical approach allows readers to form their own conclusions.
• March 14, 2013   Chuck T. – Texas:
  A great book … allows the reader to explore and understand immigration from a "non-political" standpoint.  The author uses examples of other countries’ successes and failures, which gives the reader more knowledge to deal with the United States immigration problems and what the U.S. immigration policies actually are.  If anyone wants to be informed, they must read this book.
• March 7, 2013   Jon K. – Texas:
  By using his research to show successful and not so successful immigration policies of other countries, Mr. Thatcher provides … information for those of us who know our immigration policies are broken … well written, fully documented and a necessary read to fully understand what the U.S. has to do to fix our immigration problems.
• March 6, 2013   David L. – Texas:
  Provides illuminating immigration case-studies including our neighbor nations north and south … offers 463 exceptionally readable pages chock-full of pertinent information with critical principles and historic results.  I am very grateful for such an excellent orientation to our current, complex, and consequential challenge.
• March 4, 2013   Jan A. – Minnesota:
  Quite a read and quite revealing … By looking at several examples of immigration laws and practices, the missteps become evident.  As America and other countries struggle with the latest waves of immigration, with varying success, it becomes clear that … failure to have a coherent policy … leads to chaos, fear among some, and general divisiveness.  Mr. Thatcher lays out a clear path for the peoples of any country to follow to create order and positive growth.  This book should be required reading for all politicians who would speak any words or put forth any ideas about immigration.
• February 25, 2013   Michelle J. – California:
  An analytical book that reflects on the history of immigration laws and reform.  It provides an interesting perspective on the evolution of immigration and how the system has dealt with it over the years.
• January 14, 2013   Katerie P. - ForeWord Reviews:
  ... an extremely interesting and powerful work ... a surprisingly compelling read.  Thatcher succeeds by providing facts in a logical prose.  There's no room for politics because every sentence is shaved to its factual core and often footnoted.  Immigration would be a reasonable guide for a senator on Capital Hill just as easily as it could become a well-thumbed reference for a political science student.
• December 21, 2012   Diane D. - Midwest Book Review:
  By providing explicit historical background and examples of where current policies bog down, Immigration ... provides keys to solid reform, making it a top recommendation for any collection looking for a clear coverage of reform options.  Thatcher's book ... goes far beyond your usual history of immigration issues coverage and weaves a blueprint for action ...

About the HST Book "Adamant Aggressors"

• February 12, 2020   Dennis L. - Indiana:
  Given the wild swings in our country you could bring historical perspective to lots of things... should be required reading right now.
• October 4, 2016   Jan A. - Washington:
  In a meticulously researched fashion, the author has examined how the relentless activities of these giants and monsters moved forward like an unstoppable juggernaut, he has discovered a common pattern to humanity's failed reactions.
• July 24, 2013   Lit A. - Readers' Favorite:
  A 'must-follow' guideline that can and should be read by anyone; political intellectuals, policymakers, future scholars, and laymen.  Adamant Aggressors is a very comprehensive and thorough book in aggression analyses ... perhaps the most important material in terms of history and theory of political science so far.
• March 4, 2013   Jan T. - Minnesota:
  This book is thoroughly researched.  It examines individuals / countries that will not be deterred from their goal.  An intriguing read for all who would be informed and would apply critical thinking in the development of their world view.
• August 26, 2012   William S - Indiana:
  An encyclopedic approach to one of the world’s major problems.  It should be on the desks of analysts and policy wonks around the globe and in the library of anyone serious about today's geopolitical environment.
• July 22, 2012   Marilyn H. - Kansas:
  Image-provoking analysis of determined historical figures - Stalin's collectivist policies and Polk's expansion to the Pacific Ocean (why are we still dealing with Mexican borders in 2012?).  Global issues at hand resonate back to Hitler's anti-Semitic murders of millions.
• July 12, 2012   Jane F. - Texas:
  Well-written recap of 6 centuries of adamant aggression.  Very thorough analysis and historical detail that should remind historians, politicians and students ... to watch for the signs and themes that allow us to predict and prevent another adamant aggressor.
• December 14, 2011   (radio talk show host) Michael David McGuire – New York:
  I find your premise ... to be very well thought out, very well articulated and really important ...
• October 9, 2011   Diane D. - Midwest Book Review:
  Any history collection serious about analyzing historical trends for modern applications should consider this a top pick, especially recommended for sparking classroom discussion at the high school to college level.
• August 19, 2011   David F. - Colorado:
  ... quite well done ... Mehmed II's conquest of Constantinople ... set the format for the review of four other situations.  One, Stalin, is recent enough that I was familiar with some of the people involved ... The book provided an outlook for analysis of many national leaders.
• July 7, 2010   Larry C. - Texas:
  one of the most rewarding aspects was learning about periods and events I didn't know much about.
• June 21, 2010   Bill S. - Illinois:
  Adamant Aggressors is big, impressive and erudite.  It is well done and worthy of some publisher's time.
• April 7, 2010   Charlton P. - Washington:
  Adamant Aggressors is an awesome achievement, fascinating for its content and ambition.
• March 25, 2010   John M. - Texas:
  very impressed with the concept and writing.  Excellent for a college classroom as a secondary text.  Could help students considering history to say, "this is what I'll learn to do by studying history."
• February 21, 2010   Antonia F. - Kansas:
  impressed with your grasp of history and enthusiasm for analyzing aspects that can be relevant to our times.

About the HST Project

• October 17, 2020   John C. - Texas:
  Thank you Bruce Thatcher for making this important distinction regarding the First Amendment.  So many argue against the sports figures 'kneeling' during the national anthem but perhaps the anger is misdirected.  Thank you also for reminding us to fully protest any governmental entity violation of this Amendment.
• October 15, 2020   Ed K. - Missouri:
  And we do NOT learn from history.... if we did we'd not keep on repeating our mistakes.  You are doing a good work … keep at it … even if only a few get it that's a plus.
• October 18, 2017   David L. - Texas:
  Thatcher makes history speak today with a clear and crisp “case study” approach paralleling and comparing different historic nation-states over time.  His probing questions invite readers to “Make America think again!” by civilly engaging in conversations today for tomorrow's history.
• December 23, 2011   Laura T. - Kansas:
  Glad you're doing this.  Teachers and professors indoctrinate students with their own views, often using books they've written, because once it's written in a required textbook it IS considered history.  Books with objective lessons will be equally credible and far more valid.
• August 13, 2011   Gregory E. - New York:
  History provides many examples of leaders that have applied its lessons to great advantage and, alas, far more examples of leaders who have ignored its lessons and failed.  We're seeing this today.
• August 11, 2010   Janice W. - Missouri:
  The books of History Speaks Today will be a collection to be handed down from generation to generation.
• July 14, 2010   Noah S. - Kansas:
  It's about time!  Proven lessons of history should be required teaching, and policy makers should be tested for their understanding of them.