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A review by skitch41
Battles for Freedom: The Use and Abuse of American History by Eric Foner
4.0
Over the past few years there has been an intense debate in America about monuments in the South to Confederate generals as well as the flying of the Confederate flag in many state capitals. Also, with Sen. Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign last year, there has been a debate about the values of democratic socialism, how they fit into the arc of American history, and whether or not America is ready to embrace such a radical agenda. Fortunately, uses and abuses of American history have been hotly debated over the decades and in this wonderful collection of essays, Prof. Foner not only reminds us of America's radical traditions, but also about the forgotten corners of our national history that need to be remembered along with everything else.
Starting with Prof. Foner's first essay in The Nation in 1977 and ending almost 40 years later at the end of Barack Obama's presidency. Prof. Foner frequently challenges the typical narrative of American history in these articles and reminds his readers that America has a radical tradition of social movements as embodied by socialists like Eugene V. Debs, abolitionists like Fredrick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison, and the original Progressives of the early 20th century. He also reminds us that America has not always lived up to its own high ideals. However, by shining a light on these dark corners of American history, Prof. Foner lays the groundwork for future hope and idealism in American history and politics. Not all American's will agree with Prof. Foner's worldview and opinions (I am certainly don't share his same disappointment with Pres. Obama like a lot of Progressives share). However, Prof. Foner writes intelligently and I believe Americans should listen to him in these pages. I highly recommend this book to people who are interested in exploring the topic of American history in public life from a non-traditional perspective.
Starting with Prof. Foner's first essay in The Nation in 1977 and ending almost 40 years later at the end of Barack Obama's presidency. Prof. Foner frequently challenges the typical narrative of American history in these articles and reminds his readers that America has a radical tradition of social movements as embodied by socialists like Eugene V. Debs, abolitionists like Fredrick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison, and the original Progressives of the early 20th century. He also reminds us that America has not always lived up to its own high ideals. However, by shining a light on these dark corners of American history, Prof. Foner lays the groundwork for future hope and idealism in American history and politics. Not all American's will agree with Prof. Foner's worldview and opinions (I am certainly don't share his same disappointment with Pres. Obama like a lot of Progressives share). However, Prof. Foner writes intelligently and I believe Americans should listen to him in these pages. I highly recommend this book to people who are interested in exploring the topic of American history in public life from a non-traditional perspective.