Widely hailed for its “sweeping, sobering account of the American past” (New York Times Book Review), Jill Lepore’s one-volume history of America places truth itself–a devotion to facts, proof, and evidence–at the center of the nation’s history. The American experiment rests on three ideas–“these truths,” Jefferson called them–political equality, natural rights, and the sovereignty of the … people. But has the nation, and democracy itself, delivered on that promise?These Truths tells this uniquely American story, beginning in 1492, asking whether the course of events over more than five centuries has proven the nation’s truths, or belied them. To answer that question, Lepore wrestles with the state of American politics, the legacy of slavery, the persistence of inequality, and the nature of technological change. “A nation born in contradiction… will fight, forever, over the meaning of its history,” Lepore writes, but engaging in that struggle by studying the past is part of the work of citizenship. With These Truths, Lepore has produced a book that will shape our view of American history for decades to come.
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In this inspiring and enlightening book, Jill Lepore accomplishes the grand task of telling us what we need to know about our past in order to be good citizens today.
In this time of disillusionment with American politics, Jill Lepore’s beautifully written book should be essential reading for everyone who cares about the country’s future. Her history of the United States reminds us of the dilemmas that have plagued the country and the institutional strengths that have allowed us to survive as a republic for over two centuries. At a minimum, her book should be required reading for every federal officeholder.
Who can write a comprehensive yet lucid history of the sprawling United States in a single volume? Only Jill Lepore has the verve, wit, range, and insights to pull off this daring and provocative book. Interweaving many lively biographies, These Truths illuminates the origins of the passions and causes, which still inspire and divide Americans in an age that needs all the truth we can find.
Uneven, a better editor would have caught errors and redundancy.
So much I never knew about what I thought I knew.
Her conceptual framework is so original and the research so painstaking, it is hard not to call this a masterpiece. There is a lot to take in, in terms of information. But the takeaway — that we are shaped as much by events as by interpretations of them in the moment and beyond — is just as haunting.
Not so much a history but an extended albeit soft-spoken rant. Full of historical inaccuracies. Author did a very good job of writing the book she wanted, but it isn’t a history.
The most comprehensive history of America that I have ever read. Jill Lapore’s research is comprehensive and illuminating. (A history that reads like a novel).
Informed my view of how our country evolved over time from its inception
U.S. history through a lens that brings into focus the many ways the country has been shaped by a Constitution that was written to ignore racial problems. Eye-opening.
A thought-provoking volume of American history with special emphasis on the groups and causes rarely given much space in earlier history books. Brilliant, insightful—and highly recommended.
Even if you don’t like reading history, this one-volume history of the United States is worth picking up. Ms. Lepore really delivers a sweeping history of our nation from it’s earliest days to the present, relying on voluminous written accounts, so much of what you read are the words of people who lived through it. She highlights many unknown or forgotten people who have impacted America’s evolution. You’ll be amazed at how our history repeats itself, the swinging of the pendulum between progressive advances and conservative reactions, and especially how that repeating cycle has gotten us to our present divides. As troubling as many find our current political situation, it is heartening to realize America has been in similar (if not worse) situations in the past and we got through it. Both informative and inspiring, but never boring, this book will open your eyes to parts of our past that you never knew about as well as putting the history you do know in a different light. Ms. Lepore has really delivered with this sweeping yet concise history of America.
Breadth, depth, honesty.
Most revealing of all the previous books of the same type. Gives much more detail of the past major events of our country. Pulls no punches.
Outstanding
The well written history of the USA gives the reader not only the “facts” but the real story behind the giod and the bad! Excellent!