History is one of those subjects in the American public education system that has become a pursuit of the least common denominator. Specifically, school districts assign textbooks that offend the fewest number of parents whose children attend those schools. The result is boring, bland, and often simplified versions of what actually happened.

This book is a direct response to it, and addresses specific episodes in American history that many history books over-simplify. These include the Vietnam War, the Spanish-American War, and the Pilgrim colony. Each episode encompasses one chapter, and is written in a combination of editorial writing and a standard lesson plan. Specific omissions or outright lies found in history books are highlighted, and the author provides the missing/correct information. The book overall is good, and only hints at a slight liberal bias. The subject matter is well-referenced and the text is fairly easy to read. But for a book of its length, it by default leaves out material on its subject matter that a critic could say is a fault of the book considering its title. Overall, a good read.

James Loewen's "Lies" is a valuable tool, debunking myths and misconceptions-even unearthing causation for common historical misconceptions. Where this critcal work fails, though, is in understanding the purpose for teaching history- for students to understand and affirm American institutions. Loewen's praise of a figure like John Brown does nothing to further this end. I do not believe, as the author does, that history as taught today is propaganda, but I do agree that textbooks are written to serve a purpose, and this being a capitalistic society, they are also written for consumers.

I am particularly irritated at his continuing the present trend of Christopher Columbus bashing. It serves no interests to villify Columbus in the name of historical accuracy. All who have immigrated here owe him a debt regardless of his alleged crimes against humanity. Loewen rails on about the "exploitative" element in Columbus's story, but his personal bias is likewise present in his support for African discovery and claims of racially motivated historiographical discrimination. Similarly, his accusation of Lincoln as a racist violates the historical principle of judging the past through the prism of the present. It is a fallacy which needs context to be properly examined. Both the author and I agree that history is written by the victors, so why does Loewen rehash this ad nausem?

Loewen asks the question, "How is one supposed to feel about the America that has been presented?" My answer after reading his book is, overwhelmingly negative and cynical. His criticism of texts, as well as all modern scholarship revising previous inaccuracies, must be taken into account in teaching history, but his negative tone must be balanced. Students do need to become, in Loewen's words, "crap detectors." Students should be given the tools to analyze events and formulate reasonable conclusions, on that much I think we would agree.

Make learning history exciting by reading this book along with The Politically Incorrect Guide to American History by Thomas E. Woods Jr PHD. The Sociologist Loewen provides an engaging interpretation of history with a heaping helping of left wing ideology. The Historian Woods provides a captivating analysis of history just as interesting as Loewen with a more conservative slant. When you read these books be prepared to find out some disturbing facts that lurk in our country's past.

An engaging, informative narrative, offering a fuller view of American history than most of us received in school. I especially enjoyed the convience of listening to it in my car this summer on audio.

this book did not define any good portrayal of anything. it is severley overpriced for a paperback and ran me about $30.00!!!! THAT IS REDICULOUS. I WANT A REFUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS BOOK IS A F!