Authors: Richard Crissman: C.T.M. von Jaeger-Dougall

Publisher: iUniverse, Inc

ISBN: 0595329500

The following review was contributed by: NORM GOLDMAN:  Editor of Bookpleasures &CLICK TO VIEW  Norm Goldman's Reviews

It never dawned on me, when I was studying the history of England many moons ago, events may have turned out differently in the USA had the House of Stuart or Stewart claimed the North American colonies. Perhaps, the American Revolution may never have happened, as is the contention of Richard Crissman and C.T.M. von Jaeger-Dougall authors of What Did the Royal Stuarts Ever Do for the U.S.A? A Disrespectful History.

For those of you who are not familiar with British history, The House of Stuart or Stewart was a Scottish, and then British, Royal House of Breton origin.

Originally, they ruled Scotland; however, after the death of Elizabeth I of England, the House of Tudor took over the whole of Britain.

These witty authors have teamed up to give us a brief history of the Royal Stuarts, as well as explore how their mistakes and foolishness motivated the Scots to migrate to North America, eventually establishing the foundations of the United States.

Their narrative begins as far back as possible, into the earliest times in Scotland, and proceeds to discuss some of the activities of such well-known monarchs as James 3^rd, The Old Pretender, Bonnie Prince Charlie, William, Prince of Orange and Mary Stuart, Queen Anne and the Act of Succession, as well as some of the comedy that prevailed among the Stuart heirs and the illegal acts of the Imperial Parliament. 

This amusing book effectively combines general historical details that exposes the blundering actions of the Stuarts and provides readers with a general sketch as to how unintentionally they were instrumental in giving the citizens of the USA a national character, responsive government and a strong national identity.

As the book mentions, due to Scottish migration, the USA became the richest and best-governed country in the world.

It is to be noted that the Stuarts bequest was their orderly system of land title, which formed the basis of the national wealth of the USA. In addition, the Scots themselves insisted on universal free coeducational education.

What is also quite noteworthy is that a natural partnership ensued with the blending of the Scots and the English colonists. On the one hand you had the mercantile skills and capital of the English and on the other hand you had the hard work and industriousness of the Scots.

The authors weave their many threads into a compelling and humorous adventure that is spiced up with a great deal of lively commentary. However, at times, I must admit, I needed a road map to follow with all of the different names and dates.

Perhaps, if the authors included a brief listing as an appendix, it would have been helpful.

There is for those readers, who wish to further study the topic, a short list of books consulted in the writing of the narrative.