Founding Myths: Stories That Hide Our Patriotic Past

Description

First published ten years ago, award-winning historian Ray Raphael's Founding Myths has since established itself as a landmark of historical myth-busting. With the author's trademark wit and flair, Founding Myths exposes the errors and inventions in America's most cherished tales, from Paul Revere's famous ride to Patrick Henry's Liberty or Death' speech. For the 70 thousand readers who have been captivated by Raphael's eye-opening accounts, history has never been the same. A welcome resource for anyone seeking to separate historical fact from fiction.'

Ray Raphael has taught at a one-room public high school, Humboldt State University, and College of the Redwoods. His seventeen books include A People's History of the American Revolution, The First American Revolution, Founders, and Constitutional Myths (all available from The New Press). Currently a senior research fellow at Humboldt State University, he lives in northern California, where he hikes and kayaks.

Praise for the tenth-anniversary edition of Founding Myths : "A persuasive argument in favor of evidence-based history, even if it means surrendering some of our cherished fabrications." Kirkus Reviews Praise for the original edition: "Ray Raphael's engaging and eye-opening book doesn't merely debunk historical fallacies. Using the best modern historical writing and his own research, the author also explains why and to what purpose these myths were created and then offers well-argued alternative explanations." Sacramento Bee "Raphael relays so much forgotten or never-known history and argues so well why it, not the legends, should be remembered that virtually any Americans will profit from reading this lively, intelligent book." Booklist "All students of American history will find Raphael's correction of the historical record instructive and enjoyable." Publishers Weekly