50 Famous Americans Author:Orville V. Webster lll 50 Famous Americans is an ideal refresher on a broad range of influential Americans, from politicians to authors to inventors who, in one way or another, not only embodied the American spirit, but had a profound influence on this great country. Orville V. Wester III wrote 50 Famous Americans as a companion guide to his enormously popular The Boo... more »k of Presidents, and like his previous work, he has compiled fascinating biographies filled with riveting facts and triva that will simply captivate you.
For instance, did you know that despite the fact that Benjamin Franklin was a logical choice to be a part of the committee charged with the drafting the Declaration of Independence, he was not entrusted with the actual writing of the document because of worries that he might conceal a joke within it? Or that if James Whistler had been able to master chemistry while attending West Point he might have spent his life as a major general instead of as a great artist? Or that philanthropist and industrial giant Andrew Carnegie introduced the first Pullman sleeping car? Indeed, 50 Famous Americans is not only educational, it's a lot of fun to read!« less