45 pages 1 hour read

Eric Foner

The Story of American Freedom

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1977

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Story of American Freedom by Eric Foner chronicles the evolution of American values of freedom and liberty from the American Revolution to the conservative resurgence of the 1980s and 1990s, focusing on how freedom has been limited, contested, and expanded over time. Foner explores the meanings of freedom, the social conditions enabling it, and its boundaries across key historical periods, detailing how various social and political movements have shaped its interpretation in the United States.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Eric Foner's The Story of American Freedom offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the evolving concept of freedom in American history. Praised for its thorough research, the book balances an engaging narrative with academic rigor. Some readers find it dense and occasionally repetitive, yet it remains a valuable resource for understanding America's complex freedom narrative.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Story of American Freedom?

Readers who appreciate a nuanced take on American history, exploring the evolving concept of freedom, will enjoy Eric Foner’s The Story of American Freedom. Comparable works include Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Jill Lepore's These Truths, catering to those interested in critical, in-depth national narratives.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

History: U.S.

Politics / Government

Education

Themes

Values/Ideas: Equality

Identity: Race

Genre

Education

American Literature

Philosophy