Hitting The (History) Books
If you like to read and hate wasting time, let me save you some. Somehow I’ve managed to read three popular history books already this year. One was decent, another okay, and the third rubbish.
1. A Short History of the United States by Robert Remini
This ambitious work moves swiftly and covers the basics with lots of sweet, little nuggets along the way. Remini balances the tone to appeal to both long time students and newcomers to the material.
2. The Politically Incorrect Guide To American History by Thomas Woods Jr.
Here you go conservatives. This book assumes a couple of things. First, that you’ve probably heard some traditional history lessons in the past. Second, that you don’t bowl with liberals on Friday nights. Woods doesn’t attack anyone directly but makes the general argument that history has been revised in favor of a liberal agenda. He certainly makes some interesting claims, but I would have to analyze the work more to be sure everything he says holds up. Nevertheless, a good change of pace and certainly better than…
3. American Creation by Joseph Ellis
Ugh. Where to start. You know that look the American Idol judges give a contestant who completely bombs? How anyone can take the Founding Fathers and American Revoluton and make it downright boring, let alone unreadable, is beyond me. If you can stay awake, beware. Ellis is motivated by something and it ain’t exactly accuracy. The overall goal of this dribble seems to be to:
a. Make people hate history by shredding every bit of fascination from the story.
b. If you do read the thing, make you believe stuff he made up.
Hey, Ellis has lots of readers who love his style. Have at it, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. I’d recommend David McCullough over Ellis in the same way I would I prefer going to Aruba over eye surgery.
I know normal people don’t read this many history books. Why would they when the one they pick up to try is as punishing as the Ellis work?
Listen to me folks. If you’ve been a victim of terrible teaching and dull history just keep it right here. Learning can be exciting and interesting. We just need to avoid the self-important, pretentious types who think their brains are God’s gift to humanity.
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Life. Culture. Education.
Life as Pop Culture Professor Clay Morgan
In The Matrix, Morpheus tells Neo he can take the blue pill and go on believing whatever he wants to believe. Or he can take the red pill to stay in Wonderland and find out how deep the rabbit hole goes.
This is a red pill type site that provides information in an entertaining way. It’s about clear thinking and good writing. It’s about finding meaning amidst the absurd. It’s about humor and truth.
I’m a writer / speaker who teaches history and political courses at a couple of local colleges. Where is local, you say? Well, that would be Wonderland of course.
On topics ranging from pop culture to the meaning of life, my brain’s always poppin’. Take the red pill and unplug.
