This book is an eye-opener, and definitely not the kind of history kids are learning in school today. The part about Abraham Lincoln and the civil war made me realize all the propaganda I was fed in school. I'd recommend this book as well as A Patriot's History of the United States for teens (grown ups, too), to counter all the revisionist history going on in textbooks these days.

Addition to my high school curriculum

I thought the idea behind the book would be great, however, it was a battle just to finish the book. The biggest problem I have is that the author does what he is accusing everyone else of doing. essentially saying that this is correct because he says so, and with just a little bit of looking into information there is a bunch that does not fit the facts of the events.

Additionally the author seems to reverse his own opinion on what what has helped and harmed the country and economy throughout history.

I also took issue to the authors portrayals of Thomas Jefferson, and Ayn Rand ideas of society as the best possible ideas, and solutions to be worked for to form a stronger country.

This claims to be politically incorrect, but, ah, I don't know about that..
Perhaps the idea is to throw ideology out the window when considering the "straight dope" as determined by this American history expert.

In my opinion, overall, regardless of the details I'm a little cautious over, what happened in the past should not prohibit future new developments. It's just a good idea to have a vague conception of these affairs, and not let ideologues talk you into especially bizarre beliefs. (I don't think I should elaborate too far here.)

So, I am done with this book. Now for a victory nap.

This would make a great quick reference when trying to explain to your kids the real history of our country, contrary to what they'd learn in public school. It is a light and easy read. The author covers a lot of area by hitting key points, and not getting too in depth on a topic. He references a ton of books throughout if the reader wants more detail on a subject.

This book is libertarian propaganda. Everything it supposedly reveals is merely a extremely biased look at established history. Sure there are nuanced and complex events in history that the most widely accepted versions are controversial. There's no dispute with that. I can't help but wonder if this guy wasn't given a set of conclusions and asked to write a broad American history text to support them. Any reputable scholar will at least admit the validity of a viewpoint other than their own. I am so glad the money I paid for this book went to support Goodwill Industries and not into this poor academic's coffers.

Ron Paul recommends this book. Enough said.

I -listened- to this. And it isn't formatted for that, at all.

I don't particularly think that the first few sections were PI, though the bit about the early settlers thinking the AmerInds were actually white under the dirt was interesting. I'll have to see if I can't corroborate that factoid.

However, as the author gets closer and closer to the now, he gets more reactionary and less ... calm? His "clearing of the air" about the Reagan legacy was a bit confusing to me. I thought it well accepted that there was increased government spending and decreased government revenue during Reagan's time in office, but, since that is what Woods claims to have actually happened. I'm confused.

Also, I'll have to ask my more conservative friends about their opinions on the Clinton scandals. I don't recall anyone being really upset about it, more a little disgusted, a little disappointed. Woods seems to have been personally angered about not only Clinton, but also the LBJ and JFK extramarital affairs.

(2 stars if I'd read it, only 1 star because I listened.)

This book gives a thought provoking alternative assessment of American history. Read this with an open mind. You don't have to agree with everything. It does, however, give the reader many things to think about. Many Americans do not think about the long term ramifications of current policies and propositions. If nothing else, the reading will begin to look at the long term effects of current policy proposals.

Inside, you learn that the American "revolutionaries" were actually conservatives. Puritans and other colonists mostly didn't steal Indian lands or engage in genocidal ...acts against them. The first section heading is called "Suspicion+Dislike=Liberty. A formula for freedom." All the chapter titles are actually pretty irritating.

Later on it gets into Confederate apologetics, justifying religious tyranny as long as it's done by the states and not the federal government. He seems to love focusing on petty, relatively minor injustices that appeal to the Right, while ignoring more massive injustices more appealing to the Left. The book may be largely (though CERTAINLY not completely) correct in it's facts, but it's selection and representation are highly distorted.

For an "Anarchist" he sure cares a lot about states rights and nullification (hes damn near obsessed with it). He is a political libertarian, but not at all a cultural libertarian. He is essentially a member of the Old Right that has an abstract belief that the state sorta shouldn't exist in the very long term.

There is only one portion of the title that accurately describes this book, the word "incorrect". This fantasy is driven by an agenda. An agenda to discredit scholarly research and facts... facts that dare to contradict a Right-wing political ideology. So, no problem, Wood makes history fit his world-view. Facts are not and never will be, partisan. Sometimes they agree with you, sometimes they don't. But weaving them into a fantasy to sell to gullible FOX, Beck, Rush and Paulits - by a professional is reprehensible. Woods should have to relinquish his chair and credentials for this mendacious travesty.

Finally an easy way to display my ignorance and political extremism to friends! If you want to waste your time and money than this book is for you. This book has the same level of truth and scholarship as the crazy, ranting homeless man you cross the street to avoid but without the personality. Woods' book pays homage to the worst extremism of the right wingers and libertarians. Not content to destroy the present, Woods' books is a hideous attempt to pervert the past and our understanding of American history. If you need a good laugh (or are an ignorant buffoon more intent on attacking liberals than learning about US history) than this book is for you.