Books matching: historical analysis of american history
13 result(s)
- #1
'The Counter-Revolution of 1776: Slave Resistance and the Origins of the United States of America' by Gerald Horne delves into the critical and paramount role of race, class, and the oppressive system in the birth of America, shedding light on the hidden truths behind the American Revolution. Through meticulous research and cogent observations, the author unveils how greed, chaos, and the counter-revolutionary spirit have driven historical events, exposing the hypocrisy of the Founding Fathers and the dark legacy of slavery that shaped the nation. Horne's narrative not only challenges the traditional founding myths but also highlights the intelligence, resourcefulness, and rebellious nature of enslaved individuals who played a significant role in shaping American history.
I had been working on the book at hand for some time and had traveled extensively. However, building renovations had prevented my access to the New York Historical Society in Manhattan until my tardy ... "The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin" by H.W. Brands is a thorough and balanced biography that takes readers through Franklin's life stages, from birth to death. It delves into Franklin's various roles as a printer, author, inventor, philosopher, diplomat, and politician. highlights Franklin's many achievements, such as his contributions to the understanding of electricity, his inventions like the lightning rod, and his involvement in establishing institutions like the first fire department, police department, and library in America.
Brands' narrative provides a detailed account of Franklin's life, his travels, his relationships, and his significant influence during the American Revolution and Constitutional Convention. also touches on Franklin's personal shortcomings and his complex views on religion, showcasing a multifaceted portrait of this iconic Founding Father.
But nothing was truly secular for Cotton Mather. An unchurched neighbor fell from a rooftop and for weeks lay in a coma; Mather remembered having told the man that if he did not get religion soon, God...- #3
The book delves into the historical categorization of races, focusing on the development of white racial superiority theories and the impact on society. It explores the evolution of race theory from the classification of different races to the concept of a singular superior white race. The author intertwines history, anthropology, sociology, and politics to provide a comprehensive examination of race theory, highlighting the origins of racism and the complexities of race relations in the United States. The narrative weaves through various historical periods, discussing topics such as white slavery, black slavery, intelligence testing, and the shifting definitions of whiteness.
The writing style of the book is described as well-researched, readable, and immersive, seamlessly integrating different disciplines to offer a detailed account of the history of race categorizations. The author presents a critical analysis of the societal constructs of race, shedding light on the enduring impact of racial prejudices and the challenges of changing deeply ingrained beliefs.
Underlying the idea that all people originated between the Black and the Caspian Seas is the text of Genesis 8:1, which has Noah’s ark coming to rest “on the mountains of Ararat” after the flood. In t... Philip Dray's book 'There Is Power in a Union: The Epic Story of Labor in America' delves into the history of the American labor movement, highlighting the struggles and sacrifices made by workers to combat the greed and corruption of big businesses. The narrative is filled with vivid retellings of key events such as the Lowell factories, the Haymarket Massacre, the Pullman Strikes, and the Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire, as well as important figures like Eugene V. Debs, Mother Jones, and Jimmy Hoffa. Dray's writing style paints a compelling picture of the violent past of the labor movement, showcasing the personal courage, sacrifice, and farcical trials that have shaped the fight for workers' rights in America.
The book also sheds light on the connections between labor movements, social justice, and civil rights, emphasizing the importance of unions in advocating for better working conditions and benefits for workers. Through detailed research and exhaustive writing on topics like the battle of Blair Mountain and the federal government's offensives against labor racketeering, Dray presents a comprehensive overview of the struggles faced by American workers from the nineteenth century onwards, making it a must-read for those interested in understanding the historical significance of labor in America.
IT SEEMS FITTING THAT ONE OF THE FIRST renowned activists in the titanic struggle between labor and capital on this continent, Sarah G. Bagley, was an unassuming young woman off the farm, initially no...'American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson' by Joseph J. Ellis is a unique biography that delves into key points of Thomas Jefferson's life, exploring his contradictions, complexities, and enigmatic character. Ellis focuses on significant periods in Jefferson's life, such as the writing of the Declaration of Independence, his presidency, efforts to establish the University of Virginia, and retirement. provides insights into Jefferson's political views, personal life, and the controversies surrounding him, offering a thought-provoking analysis of one of the Founding Fathers of America.
IT WAS A PROVINCIAL version of the grand entrance. On June 20, 1775, Thomas Jefferson arrived in Philadelphia in an ornate carriage, called a phaeton, along with four horses and three slaves. The roug...This book, 'A Queer History of the United States' by Michael Bronski, provides a comprehensive look at the history of the American queer community from European colonization to 1990. It covers a wide range of topics, from the early American history to post-WWII era, offering analysis and insights into the motivations behind historical events. The author includes quotes from ordinary people struggling with their sexuality throughout history, shedding light on both the oppression and support within the community. The book delves into various aspects of queer history, offering a broader view of non-heteronormative behavior beyond just gay history.
If you were to ask average Americans when lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history started in this nation, some would cite the Stonewall “riots” that took place in New York’s Greenwich Village ...'Loaded: A Disarming History of the Second Amendment' by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz delves into the dark history of the Second Amendment, exploring its ties to racism, colonization, and violence in America. Through a well-researched narrative, the author uncovers the sinister origins of the gun culture in the United States, linking it to the exploitation of native Americans, black Americans, and immigrants. Dunbar-Ortiz challenges the conventional understanding of the Second Amendment, arguing that it was founded on racist principles to maintain control and promote white supremacy.
Dunbar-Ortiz's writing style in 'Loaded' is described as compelling and eye-opening, providing a spellbinding account of the nefarious history behind the Second Amendment. is commended for its thorough research and factual information, shedding light on the complex and violent past of America. Despite some criticisms of the thesis falling apart in certain sections, the book is praised for its detailed exploration of how America's obsession with guns is intertwined with its history of conquest, slavery, and violence.
The Anglo-American settlers’ violent break from Britain in the late eighteenth century paralleled their search-and-destroy annihilation of Delaware, Cherokee, Muskogee, Seneca, Mohawk, Shawnee, and Mi...- #8
'Patriotic Gore' by Edmund Wilson is a comprehensive review of contemporary literature from the Civil War era, spanning 900 pages and covering major and minor historical and literary figures. The book is highly recommended for Civil War enthusiasts as it provides lesser-known details about significant personalities from that period, presenting them as human beings rather than idolizing or demonizing them. Wilson's approach, relying on primary sources like diaries and letters, offers a compelling and insightful view of the Civil War era, shedding light on the social and cultural underpinnings that influenced American literature's evolution during that turbulent period.
This novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe was one of the greatest successes of American publishing history as well as one of the most influential books — immediately influential, at any rate — that have eve... - #9
'Monsters in America: Our Historical Obsession with the Hideous and the Haunting' by W. Scott Poole is a fascinating exploration of American history through the lens of monsters and the monstrous. Poole delves into how sociopolitical climates have influenced the monsters portrayed in fiction, film, and media, connecting horror trends to American epochs. The book offers a unique perspective on the creation and perpetuation of the monsters society fears most, blending popular culture with American history. Poole's writing style is engaging, informative, and accessible, making it a comprehensive read for both academics and casual readers alike.
1 In a peculiar way, the uprising of Fool, “the people under the stairs,” and the people of the neighborhood replicates the story of the 1676 Bacon’s Rebellion in Virginia, a class-based uprising that... A Black Women's History of the United States by Daina Ramey Berry is a rich and insightful exploration of the history of Black women in America, spanning from 1619 to the present day. The book sheds light on stories that are often overlooked or not taught in traditional education, providing a deep dive into the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of African American women and their enslaved ancestors. The writing style is dense and fascinating, offering an expansive knowledge of history with abundant political and social context for each time period covered.
The book challenges the inadequacies of American public education in teaching Black history, especially the stories of Black women. It is described as a gem that everyone can benefit from reading, offering a different perspective on American history through the lens of Black women's experiences. Readers are left with a clear understanding of the significant contributions and sacrifices made by Black women throughout history, inspiring a deeper appreciation and awareness of their impact on shaping America.
THE EARLY HISTORICAL NARRATIVES of North America were not uniquely centered on Black women until now; instead, it was about discovery, colonization, and conquest. This history emphasized the “discover...