This book uses biographies, some without names due to the sparse records and representation in the historical record, to travel through US history. There's some herculean research that went into this, with Berry and Gross combining inventories with written accounts to piece together events and people that have often been overlooked in other historical analyses. The book also covers well known events with new perspectives - a good example is that Harriet Scott, wife of Dred Scott, also sued for her freedom at the exact same time. If you like biographies and want a unique overview of US history, this is your book.