Quote:
Originally Posted by Tyrone Slothrop
I haven't read it either, but I didn't define my political views by saying that I'm anti people who believes it holds water. There's actually a certain amount of faith involved here on Sebby's part, not that he would care to see it that way.
|
It's well worth reading. Even if you just pick it up and read two or three articles.
If you're a history nerd, you'd probably end up with an overall view on it like the American Historical Association's editor, who was a little exasperated by the number of journalistic articles breathlessly claiming a new perspective while going through history that's been recited for a few decades in dozens of historical articles, but also a little querilous as to what the controversy was over.
If you're a fan of one or the other writers, you might find some nice nuggets there (Kevin Kruse is a lot of fun, and I've read a couple of his books, but his contribution is a nice introduction to a couple of basic themes that run through much of his stuff).
But if you're looking for a broad overview of American History that keeps slavery and African-American history in plain sight, you'll have trouble finding a more concise work or one that touches on as many different elements of American history.
Sure, like all histories, you can argue a lot of points. But it is a worthwhile read, and a couple steps above "dad" histories like McCullough. I know of no one who considers it a bible or the most scholarly thing around (sebby seems to know people like that, they really enrage him), but plenty who have enjoyed it and learned a few things.
