Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong

Product Description:

Winner of the American Book Award and the Oliver C. Cox
Anti-Racism Award of The American Sociological Association

Americans have lost touch with their history, and in Lies My Teacher Told Me Professor James Loewen shows why. After surveying eighteen leading high school American history texts, he has concluded that not one does a decent job of making history interesting or memorable. Marred by an embarrassing combination of blind patriotism, mindless optimism, sheer misinformation, and outright lies, these books omit almost all the ambiguity, passion, conflict, and drama from our past.

In this revised edition, packed with updated material, Loewen explores how historical myths continue to be perpetuated in today's climate and adds an eye-opening chapter on the lies surrounding 9/11 and the Iraq War. From the truth about Columbus's historic voyages to an honest evaluation of our national leaders, Loewen revives our history, restoring the vitality and relevance it truly possesses.

Thought provoking, nonpartisan, and often shocking, Loewen unveils the real America in this iconoclastic classic beloved by high school teachers, history buffs, and enlightened citizens across the country.

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Customer Reviews

Rating: - Loewen's Own Lies
The first thing you need to be aware of before reading this book is that Loewen has a proctologist view of America.Once you understand this the purpose of his writing becomes clear.Also, Loewen is a sociologist, not a historian.Loewen's inconsistencies are the biggest problem.He spends the first half of the book condemning history books for having too much information.Then he spends the second half of the book condemning history books for what they leave out.What he is really upset about ... Read More
Rating: - Herofication of the Undeserving
Prior to the abrupt dismissal of Columbus Day as a school holiday, I ignorantly believed that certain historical facts remained constant. Furthermore, I recall a sense of confusion and anger as I reconciled Columbus' tale. In stark contrast with findings from recent publications, my edification suggested that the courageous explorer was rather exceptional; after all, at that time, he was the only person who believed that the Earth was spherically shaped, or so I thought. While analyzing the teaching ... Read More
Rating: - Well researched and written
Loewen has done his homework AGAIN!This is a bullet proof condemnation of the folklore that passes for history in every major high school text now in use. Loewen's work is non-dogmatic with his writing being in service to accuracy rather than any political ideology. A must read for high school students who need to better understand concepts of truth and critical thinking.
Rating: - Why kids hate history (but shouldn't have to)
This is a real eye-opener to anyone who thinks they learned about U.S. history in high school. Loewen spent eleven years reviewing the 12 most commonly-used U.S. history textbooks and found all to be seriously wanting. Textbook publishers want to avoid controversy (so, apparently, do many school systems), so they feed students a white-washed, non-controversial, over-simplified version of this country's history and its most important historical figures.

To make his point, Loewen emphasizes ... Read More
Rating: - Good Facts But Too Much Politics
I bought this book looking for some facts about our history books.I found about 100 pages of facts in a 400 page book.The rest was all politics and complaining.If you are a Socialist or die hard Democrat, you will love this book.It complains about Republicans and Europeans ancestors and blames them for all that is evil in the American system.Although Democrats lookout, he also complains about President Kennedy.Yes, our four fathers made a lot of mistakes, and yes, a lot could be added into text ... Read More