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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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 include A Peoples History of the American Revolution (The New Press) and The First American Revolution (The New Press). He lives in Redway, California.
From School Library Journal
Adult/High School - If a high school history teacher were to ask his class when the Declaration of Independence was signed, he undoubtedly would hear a chorus call out, "July 4, 1776." But what percentage of students, or teachers for that matter,would know that as of August 1, only John Hancock had actually signed the document? And how many would know that at least 14 men who were not even in Philadelphia on July 4 are recorded in the Congressional Journal as signing it on that well-remembered date? But sign it they did, and what does it matter what the actual date was? Raphael thoroughly delineates the creation of the fictive July 4 signing, including intentional lies and omissions in the "official" Congressional Journal. The chief impetus behind this doctoring of history was simply to have a neat, unmistakable date for national celebration. The author goes on to expose numerous myths before, during, and after the Revolution revolving around Paul Revere's ride, Valley Forge, Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" speech, the Battle of Yorktown, and several others. In each case, Raphael outlines the myth, reveals what really happened, and, most importantly, argues why we must move past historical nonsense so that a truer, more democratic national record can emerge. Academic historians have long known these truths. Raphael deserves praise for his efforts to have that knowledge trickle down to the rest of us. Toward that end, he offers a "Note to Teachers," including a Web site with grade-appropriate lesson plans. - Robert Saunderson, Berkeley Public Library, CA
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