Publisher's Synopsis
A collection of documentaries by filmmaker Ken Burns that trace the history of the United States of America. 'Congress' (1988) is a feature-length film exploring the history and present role of America's most important, and perhaps least understood, institution. 'Thomas Jefferson' (1997) is a two-part documentary chronicling the life and times of America's legendary early president. 'The Statue of Liberty' (1985) is an Academy Award-nominated documentary tracing the construction and subsequent history of this symbolic statue. 'Brooklyn Bridge' (1981), also nominated for an Academy Award, documents the building of the famous New York bridge, an engineering feat that has since become a national icon of wealth and promise. In 'Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio' (1991), a two-hour film, Burns chronicles the birth and development of American radio as pioneered by three men: Lee de Forest, Edwin Howard Armstrong and David Sarnoff. 'Huey Long' (1985) is a 90-minute biography following the rise, reign and dramatic assassination of one of the most compelling figures in the history of American politics, Louisiana's Huey Long. Finally, in 'The Shakers: Hands to Work, Hearts to God' (1984), Burns tells the history of America's most enduring and inventive religious sect, which despite its vow of celibacy thrived for decades and left a legacy of elegant crafts, furniture and architecture that continue to have an influence all over the world.
