"Raphael sees a paradox, arguing that 'The image of a perfect
America in a mythic past hides our Revolutionary roots, and this we do
not need.' In
reconsidering American history, Raphael contends that Americans will
be able to discover the stories of real people who can be the source
of a true patriotism. Raphael’s goal is to peal away the layers
of fiction that serve only to obscure our own past, and that prevent
the actions and sacrifices of real Americans from defining American history. … Founding
Myths shows that looking back and reconsidering history is a prerequisite
of the very possibility of moving forward." — History
News Network
"The author exposes numerous myths before, during, and after the Revolution
revolving around Paul Revere's ride, Valley Forge, Patrick Henry's 'Give
Me Liberty or Give Me Death' speech, the Battle of Yorktown, and
several others. In each case, Raphael outlines the myth, reveals what
really happened, and, most importantly, argues why we must move past
historical nonsense so that a truer, more democratic national record
can emerge. Academic historians have long known these truths. Raphael
deserves praise for his efforts to have that knowledge trickle down to
the rest of us." – School Library Journal
"Ray Raphael's engaging and eye-opening book about the myths concerning
the American Revolution doesn't merely debunk historical fallacies. Using
the best modern historical writing and his own research, the author also
explains why and to what purpose these myths were created and then offers
well-argued alternative explanations." — Sacramento
Bee
“Ray Raphael is at his iconoclastic best in this book, demolishing
historical nonsense, suggesting a new patriotism based on truth rather
than myth.” — Howard Zinn
Click here to read the Introduction
Table of contents:
Heroes and Heroines
1. Paul Revere’s Ride
2. Sam Adams’s Mob
3. Molly Pitcher’s Cannon
David and Goliath
4. The Shot Heard ’Round the World
5. Winter at Valley Forge
Wise Men
6. Jefferson’s Declaration
7. An Assembly of Demi-Gods
8. American Aristocracy
Doing Battle
9. Liberty or Death!
10. The Whites of Their Eyes
Good v. Evil
11. Patriotic Slaves
12. Brutal British
Happy Endings
13. The Final Battle: Yorktown
14. March of the American People
15. Storybook Nation
Conclusion: Why We Tell Tall Tales
Afterword: Which Myths Persist, and Why |