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Originally Posted by Greedy,Greedy,Greedy
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.
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Here’s a science based book, by an actual scientist, that explains a ton about why people are eager to embrace certain arguments and overlook their weaknesses while rejecting others and ignoring their strengths:
https://www.amazon.com/Case-Against-.../dp/0393254690
To a significant extent, it's hard wired into our heads. Thousands of years of evolution have conditioned us to perceive things in ways that help us, comfort and reinforce us, and aid us in bonding with others.
Perception is reality. That’s true. But it’s not necessarily fact.
