Throughout the ages, history has continually held profound influence on the world we live in. Diving into the past offers us valuable insights into the present and guides our aspirations for a more promising future. Steve Jackson’s Millennial History embarks on an enthralling voyage through the corridors of time, traversing the early epochs of world history to the current American political and social landscape. This captivating book may be the perfect choice for those who seek a deeper understanding of the foundational elements of the American nation, or for those who might have dozed off during their high school history lessons! Today, we will embark on an exploration of Jackson’s concise historical overview and the wisdom it imparts to us.
Why did you write this book?
There are two reasons. First, I have discovered that the vast majority of people I encounter, regardless of age or generation, know very little about history. They have an understanding of current events but do not conceive the connections to past history. I taught history on a secondary level as well as government on a secondary level for the better part of 35 years and maintained diary entries for nearly that long. I also vividly remember historical events stretching back decades to my childhood. The second reason for the production of this book is that it will serve as my legacy to my country that I love and defend. I believe that succeeding generations can draw on my depth of knowledge about the subject matter that is largely skipped over now, but is textually important for a true understanding of why things happened.
For history buffs, or people who want a review in history, this is the book for you. It is very user friendly, with small chapters, which makes it easy to pick up and put down for a quick read. The author captures history like he is telling a story, rather than a lecture. I think it is a great book for students, teachers, and for those wanting to refresh their knowledge of history. Excellent coffee table book or gift. I highly recommend it. – Elaine K.
What is the hardest part of writing your books?
In both of my books there certainly was no lack of subject matter nor was organization a problem. By far the most difficult aspect of writing these books was my typing disability. In both cases I wrote the text into spiral notebooks then had to find someone to do the typing. With regard to my first book I fired two typists and slowly finished typing the book on my own. In my most recent book I had to make many revisions as both my typist and my publisher left many spelling errors in the text. By far I was the best editor of this book.
How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
My first book was born out of duress at my job site. A vindictive school board attempted to terminate my employment as a public school teacher based largely on lies, rumor and innuendo. Rather than physical retribution, I decided to caricature my accusers and my book became a parody on the one hand and a warning to young teachers, on the other hand, of what might befall them in a classroom. My second book, Millennial History, was a labor of love and a good intellectual challenge. Running just under 500 pages, it took exactly two years to the day to arrive in the marketplace.
Which character would you select from your book to star in a Hollywood movie and which actor would play the lead?
Teddy Roosevelt is my favorite President for a myriad of reasons. He overcame crippling childhood asthma and blindness in one eye from a short career in boxing, to go on and become a rancher, police commissioner in NY, the leader of the Rough Riders in the Spanish War, and ultimately one of the top five rated Presidents in U.S. history. He also had an intellectual side and was second to Thomas Jefferson in terms of the amount of books read.
The bottom line is that he got a lot accomplished and worked across the aisle with Congress. So who would I choose to play a bombastic man that combined mental and physical prowess, and who was not afraid to take on all comers? Russell Crowe, who has a remarkable resemblance to Roosevelt in terms of both appearance and personality. Look at his body of work—Gladiator, Master and Commander, Cinderella Man, and A Beautiful Mind. The movie would be entitled Bull Moose and I am sure Roosevelt would have approved the hiring of Crowe to play him by using his famous word of approval… “Bully!”
When did you begin writing?
I had to check my diary to answer this question. In terms of book writing, 2006 was my first year. I had been suspended from school for almost three years—wrongly as it turned out—so in this year I began an outline of my first book that warned about the potential perils of the educational world.
How long did it take to complete your first book?
I utilized my court documents, my diaries and my classroom experiences to crank out my first book (Think Twice… About Teaching) in just under three months.
Did you have an author that inspired you to become a writer?
I liked several authors but must admit that seeking revenge against my school district motivated me to become a writer. After traumatic experiences, many people have pursued new careers. Add my name to that list.
What book are you reading now?
I just finished reading the Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, which is the prequel to her more famous Atlas Shrugged. I liked the story line in the book but the verbosity was overwhelming at times, making the same point in many different ways. This is why I am hesitating to read Atlas Shrugged. The style seems to be the same and the polar opposite of my writing, where I cover a lot of ground with a paucity of verbiage.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Being a history teacher involves storytelling. Being able to string together those threads into a larger narrative is most satisfying to me.
Describe your book in 4 words or less.
History A-Z.
Can you share a little about your current work or what is in the future for your writing?
Because I am in the fourth quarter of life and typing is debilitating to me, a third book is unlikely. I will continue adding historical blogs to my website, www.millennialhistory.com.
Purchase Millennial History: https://amzn.to/3EJQuLa
Millennial History Blog: https://millennialhistory.com/blog/
