Seven Events That Made America America

The bestselling coauthor of A Patriot’s History of the United States examines some of the pivotal—yet mostly ignored—moments that shaped our history.
 
Every schoolchild is taught the great turning points in American history, such as Gettysburg, Pearl Harbor, and 9/11. But other equally significant events have altered our destiny without being understood—or even widely noticed.

Acclaimed conservative historian Larry Schweikart now takes an in-depth look at seven such episodes—from Martin Van Buren’s creation of the first national political party to Dwight D. Eisenhower’s heart attack—and reveals the profound ways they have shaped America. He also asks readers to consider what the Founding Fathers would have said about these events and reminds us how individual liberty, private enterprise, and small government have made our country great.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs