'Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong' by James W. Loewen is a critique of American history textbooks that offers real history to counteract the empty platitudes found in those textbooks. delves into white Americans' relationships with Native Americans and African Americans, pointing out the discrepancies and omissions in traditional historical narratives. Loewen reviews twelve American history books, highlighting their shortcomings and the importance of teaching controversial aspects of history. The writing style is described as informative, eye-opening, and engaging, providing readers with a fresh perspective on American history.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is accessible and engaging, employing a critical and sometimes emotive style that effectively conveys Loewen's arguments.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative focuses on exposing the inaccuracies and omissions in American history textbooks while presenting alternative perspectives on key historical events and figures.

Setting:

The setting encompasses American history, focusing on how it is taught in schools and its implications.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with some sections moving slowly due to detailed analysis, while others are more engaging.

One is astonished in the study of history at the recurrence of the idea that evil must be forgotten, distorted, skimmed over. We must not remember that Daniel Webster got drunk but only remember that ...

Genres:

Topics:

american history

textbook analysis

racism and colonialism

impact of historical narratives

cultural identity

historical revisionism

eurocentrism

cultural bias

Notes:

Lies My Teacher Told Me focuses on hidden narratives in American history, particularly those of African Americans and Native Americans.

The book debunks the myth of Reconstruction being primarily about corruption.

It discusses the contributions of escaped African slaves and poor whites in resisting the U.S. imperial project, referred to as Tri-Racial Isolates.

The Requirement document exposes the brutality of Spain's conquest of Native Americans.

Loewen emphasizes the loss of history in education and how it affects students' views today.

He explores the disconnect between student engagement and their history education, highlighting students' resistance to learning.

Loewen critiques how textbooks glorify historical figures, ignoring their moral complexities and the reality of their actions.

The book points out that history is often presented from a Eurocentric perspective, neglecting the roles of non-white figures in shaping the nation.

Loewen urges readers to critically analyze history, contrasting textbook narratives with actual events and contexts.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Some content warnings might include discussions of racism, violence, and the effects of colonialism, which may be distressing to some readers.

From The Publisher:

This updated and revised edition of the American Book Award-winner and national bestseller revitalizes the truth of America’s history, explores how myths continue to be perpetrated, and includes a new chapter on 9/11 and the Iraq War.

Ratings (10)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (6)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (36):

Read It (16)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (14)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (4)

1 comment(s)

rukistarsailor

Loved It

9 months

Do I enjoy that

Lies My Teacher Told Me effectively trashes my AP US History textbook,

The American Pageant?

Yes, yes I do.

More importantly, I like the parts exposing American colonialism, questioning the erasure of the recent past in American history textbooks, and analyzing some of the faults in the modern American public education model. I don't agree with every one of Loewen's stances. For example, while I agree with Loewen that tightening down on immigrations

could have prevented 9/11, I overall don't believe in restricting immigration or deporting undocumented immigrants.

I feel like

Lies My Teacher Told Me is giving me permission to continue being skeptical as ever :)

What can you read after
Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong?

See the list (100 books)

About the Author:

James W. Loewen is the bestselling author of Lies My Teacher Told Me and Lies Across America. He is a regular contributor to the History Channel's History magazine and is a professor emeritus of sociology at the University of Vermont.

He resides in Washington, D.C.

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong

James W. Loewen