Synopsis
Widely praised following its initial publication, Founding Myths is a page-turner created out of the stuff of American history primers. Reexamining thirteen well-known tales from the American struggle for independence, the book documents the errors and inventions that permeate these cherished national myths - myths that are often still taught in American history classes - in what Baltimore's City Paper calls a ''debunking that does not disappoint." ''Engaging and eye-opening" (The Sacramento Bee), Ray Raphael's bold and provocative book reexamines the story of Paul Revere's midnight ride, which turns out to have involved far more than one rider; Patrick Henry's famous (and fictitious) ''Give Me Liberty" speech; and the made-up character of Molly Pitcher, among many others. Raphael cleverly demonstrates how these stories evolved over time. And in each case, he offers an alternative version, one that is both more historically accurate and more in tune with our nation's democratic ideals. For anyone who is curious about the true story of the nation's founding, and for those searching for a genuine chronicle of democratic struggle, Founding Myths is American history at its truest and most vital.
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Review
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
About the Author
Ray Raphael has taught at a one-room public high school, Humboldt State University, and College of the Redwoods. His twelve books includeA People’s History of the American Revolution and The First American Revolution (both available from The New Press).
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