Battles for Freedom: The Use and Abuse of American History

(Paperback)

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In thiscollection of polemical pieces, Foner expounds on the relevance ofAbraham Lincoln's legacy in the age of Obama and on the need foranother era of Reconstruction. In addition to articles in which Fonercalls out politicians and the powerful for their abuse and misuseof American history, Foner assesses some of his fellow leadinghistorians of the late 20th century, including Richard Hofstadter,Howard Zinn and Eric Hobsbawm. Foner ends with an open letterto Bernie Sanders analysing the great tradition of radicalism thathe has spent his career studying and which, he argues, Americansof progressive disposition should seek to celebrate and retrieve.

Reviews

'Nothing could be more timely, more needed than this collection of Eric Foner's work. For the depth and breadth of his intellect as well as the clarity and precision of his language, he has peers but no superiors. Throughout his career, Professor Foner has enlightened and provoked us to become our better selves.' - Toni Morrison, 'An extraordinary collection of essays, at once erudite and unflinching, from one of America's most gifted historians.' - Jill Lepore

Author Bio

Eric Foner is a Pulitzer Prize winninghistorian and DeWitt Clinton Professorof History at Columbia University. He isone of America's leading historians of theAmerican Civil War and ReconstructionEra. His books include The Fiery Trial:Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery;Reconstruction: America's UnfinishedRevolution and Give Me Liberty! AnAmerican History.