The Untold History of the United States - Softcover

Stone, Oliver; Kuznick, Peter

4.2

2,637 ratings by Goodreads

9780091949303: The Untold History of the United States

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0091949300 ISBN 13: 9780091949303

Publisher: Ebury Press, 2012

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A companion to Oliver Stone's ten-part Showtime documentary series in the tradition of Howard Zinn's "People's History of the United States," this cutting-edge and provocative book challenges the status quo of American history. Multiple Academy Award-winner Oliver Stone (once called "Dostoevsky behind a camera") has directed such iconic movies as "Platoon," "Wall Street," "JFK," "Natural Born Killers," and "W "and is known for his often controversial point of view and probing exploration of weighty historical and political topics. Now, Stone collaborates with esteemed American University professor Peter Kuznick to present our country's "secret history," one that has been unearthed through recently discovered archives and newly declassified material. Filled with poignant photos and little-known historical facts, this book covers the rise of the American Empire and national security state from the late nineteenth century through the Obama administration, revealing how deeply rooted the seemingly aberrant policies of the Bush-Cheney administration are in the nation's past--and why it has proven so difficult for President Obama to significantly change course. By discerning patterns that have previously gone unrecognized and examining the most recently released classified documents, Stone and Kuznick challenge prevailing orthodoxies and ask questions not normally raised. The result is not the kind of history taught in schools or represented on television or in popular movies, and it will come as a surprise to the vast majority of American and global citizens, shocking and astounding both experts and history-lovers alike.

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Review:

"Oliver Stone and Peter Kuznick have done what many would consider impossible. They have written a political history of the United States in the 20th Century that tells us exactly how the United States became an empire through conscious decisions, and how the struggle to maintain that empire will go on despite which political party holds office. It is a brilliant survey of the untold story." "Oliver Stone and Peter Kuznick provide a critical overview of US foreign policy during the past few decades. There is much here to reflect upon. Such a perspective is indispensable...At stake is whether the United States will choose to be the policeman of a "Pax Americana," which is a recipe for disaster, or partner with other nations on the way to a safer, more just and sustainable future." "A brave revisionist study which shatters many foreign policy myths... the Stone-Kuznick team grapples with the unsavory legacy of American militarism. . . . Make room on your book shelf for this compelling leftist primer." "Howard [Zinn] would have loved this 'people's history' of the American Empire. It's compulsive reading: brilliant, a masterpiece!" "Finally, a book with the guts to challenge the accepted narrative of recent American history... This is the 'Washington didn't really chop down the cherry tree' book for our last hundred years." "Kuznick and Stones' Untold History is the most important historical narrative of this century." "Stone and Kuznick provide a boldly critical view of the most painful aspects of American history. Their perspective on nuclear danger is especially illuminating. They make clear how close we have come to the ultimate human absurdity of annihilating ourselves as a species with our own technology. One thinks of the Enlightenment motto, "Dare to know!" The knowledge we gain can be a source of powerful wisdom." "By casting a spotlight on the shadier aspects of America's past, as well as the humane alternatives, Oliver Stone and Peter Kuznick provide a thought-provoking rebuttal to the nationalist myths that are far too often served up as history. They remind us that, until Americans have the courage to confront reality, they will remain trapped by their illusions."

Book Description:

The book to accompany Oliver Stone's landmark 10-part documentary series, The Untold History of the United States

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