This is an interview with Larry Schweikart, a history prof at the University of Dayton, about his new book, A Patriots History of the United States. I havent read into yet, but Im betting that its better than most surveys, and if its any better than Paul Johnsons A History of the American People, Ill buy dozens! It almost goes without saying that it has to be better than Howard Zinns A Peoples History of the United States, but I admit that is a low standard by which to judge.
Did you know that intellectual giant Ben Affleck has optioned "A Peoples History" for film?!?
He cannot seriously want to film an agitprop survey text; he couldnt if he tried. So was there one particular chapter he liked? I am inclined to think that, as a movie star gazillionaire, optioning Zinn did not cost him much and demonstrated his lefty erudition. Actual erudition would be easier on his pocketbook, but far costlier for his self-image.
If he wants to spend conspicuously and actually learn something, Ill sell him any one of my books by Jacques Barzun for $600 bucks a pop! Jeffery Burton Russell will cost more; my
pre-underlining key passages does not come cheap.
Ill be waiting for response & rebuttal histories (reactions to Zinns tome) from Schramm & that other intellectual giant, "wm".