DAVID C. KING’S ADULT & YOUNG ADULT BOOKS
The Incredible Voyage of the Columbia
Publisher: Troy Book Makers, 2015
$18.89
The Incredible Voyage of the Columbia is a riveting tale of adventure and discovery. Based on actual events, it is the story of Nathan Porter, 5th mate on the sailing ship Columbia, which made a voyage of trade among the Indian tribes of the Pacific Northwest in the 1790s. Join Nathan as he encounters adventures and dangers, finds his courage and beliefs challenged, but also discovers romance and a new belief in himself.
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The Indians of the Berkshires and the Hudson River Valley
Publisher: Troy Book Makers, 2014
$14.95
For about 200 years, Indian life and culture were thriving in the Berkshires and Hudson River Valley. What tribes were living here and how did they live? What led to their disappearance by the early 1800s?
The Indians of the Berkshires and the Hudson River Valley is designed to help both visitors and residents explore that history, and examine the countless reminders of the rich Indian culture: What do the many place names mean? What is the Indian connection to we’ll-known mountains and other landmarks? And how can you find out more?
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Benedict Arnold: The Traitor Within
$19.95
Most Americans know almost nothing about Benedict Arnold except that he was an infamous traitor. Few are aware that he was, for four years of the American Revolution, the patriots’ most heroic and successful battlefield leader. He was also America’s first naval hero, at the Battle of Lake Champlain. This relatively short, highly readable biography examines why Arnold turned his back on these heroic deeds to try to destroy American independence. One of King’s most important contributions is his exposure of the role played by his beautiful young wife, Peggy Shippen.
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First People: An Illustrated History of American Indians
Publisher: NY: DK Publishing, 2008-2009
Genre: Adult & Young Adult.
$19.95
This beautifully illustrated book presents a balanced interpretation of Indian history, especially the history of the relationships with white societies. First People is King’s most popular book and has won four national awards, including Learning Magazine’s 2010 Teachers’ Choice Award.
Book Reviews:
“Author David King has gathered a wealth of information and more importantly has organized it in a unique and compelling manner to make this the sort of coffee table book… that is hard to resist.”
– eclectica.org
“…with vivid illustrations popping off its pages, it’s a riveting primer for all ages.”
– Washington Post Book World
“This rich pictorial work serves as an entertaining, informative, and visually appealing introduction to American Indian culture and history.”
– Library Journal
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Children’s Encyclopedia of American History
Publisher: NY: DK Publishing, 2003
Genre: Young Adult & Adult.
$29.99
This large coffee table book, with some 750 visuals supplied by the Smithsonian, is as widely used by adults as by young people. A professor at Rutgers University writes, “This is the first place I look to answer any question about American history.”
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Charles Darwin: A Photographic Story of a Life
Publisher: NY: DK Publishing, 2007
Genre: Young Adult.
$5.99
While DK, the publisher, is known for its large, well-illustrated books, this biography is part of a small paper-back format. Darwin’s dramatic story is told in an informal style and illustrated with period photos and art.
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Left: Colonies and Revolution; Civil War and Reconstruction
Right: Westward Expansion; World Wars and the Modern Age
Publisher: Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2003-2005
Genre: Young Adult & Adult.
$12.95
King is the sole author and editor of the unique series, American Heritage/American Voices. The series divides the nation’s history into four major periods, and each volume contains more than forty firsthand accounts, including excerpts from journals, letters, and eyewitness reports, as well as art and photos.
The goal is to emphasize the human side of history. The short readings in Westward Expansion, for example describe the struggles, dangers, and excitement of a movement that covered 300 years of our history. Book 4, World Wars and the Modern Age examines how technological innovations shaped our modern age, and how a century of warfare thrust us into world leadership. Eighty-one readings give complex events a personal look.
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Dorothea Lange: Photographer of the People$32.95
David considers this short (88-page) biography one of his favorites because Lange was such a remarkable person. She was a survivor of polio and also battled cancer; this combination contributed to her unique ability to display people’s suffering but also their strength and pride.
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American Kids in HistoryGenre: Juvenile.
$10 – $15
David C. King has written a series of seven activity books for readers age eight and up. With the series title American Kids in History, each book provides a narrative of a fictional family living in the period, as well as puzzles, games, recipes, and other fun or challenging activities based on the title period.
Titles Include:
- Colonial Days – Amazon | Wiley
- Revolutionary War Days – Amazon | Wiley
- Pioneer Days; Wild West Days – Amazon | Wiley
- Civil War Days – Amazon | Wiley
- Victorian Days
- World War II Days
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