The American Patriot's Almanac is a book that deserves a place in every American home, not on a bookshelf gathering dust, but lying close at hand, dog-eared and well worn from use.

My first literary exposure to William Bennett was his 1993 anthology "The Book of Virtues: A Treasury of Great Moral Stories" While some regard as unsophisticated his collection of values-based stories and poems I have found it to be a useful reference containing important lessons for young and old alike.

It was with great anticipation, then, that I opened The American Patriot's Almanac, the latest work of Dr. Bennett and John T.E Cribb. No doubt it will also be derided in some corners as simplistic, but for my money it is an excellent reference for anyone who wants to better understand the uniqueness of the United States. The authors sum it up best with these words from the introduction:

The stories, symbols, heroes and famous words in this book are important because the help tell us who we are as Americans. They remind us that we're all a part of this wonderful common enterprise called the United States. The long winter at Valley Forge. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin planting a flag on the moon. These events and images are part of what Abraham Lincoln called the "mystic chords of memory" that unite us as a people and connect us with the past we all share. They help us understand the ideals we stand for and appreciate how hard it has been to preserve them. They help us know our country better and love it more.

The American Patriot's Almanac offers something for everyone. Containing everything from daily readings about important events in American history to a collection of significant documents, speeches, songs and poetry to generally interesting facts and information, the book provides a broad overview of the positive aspects of the American experience.  Though it will not replace more traditional works of American history it is an outstanding adjunct to them, providing context and clarity to important events in the life of the United States. It is a welcome addition to my library and I am confident that it would be to yours as well.