The Century That Made America Great

Hosted by Charles Osgood, this CBS News production presents a nice overview of the defining moments of what Harold Evans, in his popular coffee table book of the same name, would call "The American Century"--i.e., the 20th century, which would witness major technological advances as well as the emergence of America as a world superpower. Volume one, "The Eagle Soars," focuses on America's involvement in global affairs (ranging from the opening of the Panama Canal to the wars large and small that were waged over the past 100 years), the rise of the aviation industry, and the immigrant experience, featuring comments from contemporary and historical figures, including Pearl S. Buck, Marvin Hamlisch, Samuel Gompers, and Teddy Roosevelt. Volume two, "Wonders of the Century," chronicles the birth of electricity, motion pictures, radio, appliances, fast food, medical advances, the space program, and the personal computer. Volume three, "Miracles of Communication," traces the history of communication, particularly examining the role that media has played in shaping public opinion, including the Nixon-Kennedy debates and the 1960's Civil Rights movement. Combining interviews and archival footage and stills, this bargain-priced survey presents a fine overview of American ingenuity during the last century. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (L. Stevens)