A True History of the United States

Indigenous Genocide, Racialized Slavery, Hyper-Capitalism, Militarist Imperialism and Other Overlooked Aspects of American Exceptionalism (Sunlight Editions)

By: Daniel Sjursen

Narrated by: Daniel Sjursen

Length: 24 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

“Thought-provoking—a must read for [everyone] seeking a firm grasp of accurate American history." (Kirkus starred review)

Brilliant, listenable, and raw. Maj. (ret.) Danny Sjursen, who served combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and later taught history at West Point, delivers a true epic and the perfect companion to Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States.

Sjursen shifts the lens and challenges readers to think critically and to apply common sense to their understanding of our nation's past—and present—so we can view history as never before.

A True History of the United States was inspired by a course that Sjursen taught to cadets at West Point, his alma mater. With chapter titles such as "Patriots or Insurgents?" and "The Decade That Roared and Wept", A True History is accurate with respect to the facts and intellectually honest in its presentation and analysis.

• Essential reading for every American with a conscience.
• Meticulously researched, Sjursen provides a more complete sense of history and encourages readers to view our country objectively.
• Sjursen’s powerful storytelling reveals balanced portraits of key figures and the role they played.

"Sjursen exposes the dominant historical narrative as at best myth, and at times a lie ... He brings out from the shadows those who struggled, often at the cost of their own lives, for equality and justice. Their stories, so often ignored or trivialized, give us examples of who we should emulate and who we must become." (Chris Hedges, author of Empire of Illusion and America: The Farewell Tour)

©2021 Daniel Sjursen (P)2021 Truth to Power

Critic reviews

"An engaging warts-and-all history of the U.S. meant to better educate those who fight for it...Strongly written and thought-provoking—a must read for nonhistorians seeking a firm grasp of accurate American history."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Sjursen’s analysis compels the reader to think critically, in order to move beyond the half-truths that keep us from collectively solving America’s most persistent and damaging inequities.”—Seattle Book Review

"Eye-opening and thought-provoking . . . for anyone wanting a solid and more complete understanding of our shared history, this is a great book to have."—Lily Bartels of The Open Door Bookstore on Northeast Public Radio

The history of the United States

Sometime has passé d since I heard your story therefore some of the pertinent details have now passed me by. I recall vividly how beautiful the story of your country was presented.The revelation ally war, the civil war and the conflicts of the last century was given in a beautiful fashion. Since I am aNorwegian I missed a more critical dis cription of the Indian wars, with more critical details about the faith of the Indians.

Good book, but. I have a few disagreements

Overall, I liked this book, but there are a few historical comments that I disagree with. For example, a comment that communist did not participatie in Vietman anti-war movement which I know is not correct . I saw NBC interviews (that were not aired) with anti-war leaders who stated that they did not care if communist participated in their movement. The only criteria was that participants were anti-war. Moreover, I saw NBC videos (again, were not aired) of communist party leaders speaking at anti-war gatherings. These videos were shown to me at a military leadership school. Yet this author states there was no communist in the Vietnam anti-War moment.
There was no mention that the first colony in the USA is St. Augustine, Florida ( September 8, 1565). Africans were there and they were not slaves. This was a few years before Jamestown (1607).
There was no mention how the Doctrine of Discovery 1493 was used by Europeans to justify that Indians did not own their land (this was also used in 1823 by the US Surpreme Court case Johnson vs McIntosh).
These are a few examples of where I disagee with the book , but overall I liked this book.

Mandatory information!!

Eye opening,mind blowing knowledge that SHOULD have been taught in schools from kindergarten to college! Hold the government accountable!!

Myth makers cover your eyes and ears!

While it is somewhat encouraging to me to learn that we have occasionally lived through worse times I do not feel very optimistic about escaping our present state of delusion.
As the author points out we have missed many opportunities to become a nation that is responsible to and for its citizens so what evidence do we have that this behavior will change?
I do want to thank Mr. Sjursen for writing this book. I hope it helps.

excellent

excellent, a must listen and the truth about America's past. a worthy moral man in the mold of Noam Chomsky

Perfect Plebe Prep

As a future West Point cadet, this book has been immensely helpful in preparation for R-Day and the academic year. I feel much more competent speaking about American history. Beat Navy

Need narrator

I'm big on the authors doing the narration but this should have someone else badly.

A True History of the United States

I have listened to it three times. Excellent work. Every American should read it. Sadly, they will not.

The Truth of America's Unjust History Revealed

Loved it because I love all truth and hate all lies and false mythologies. It is the general American belief in the lie and mythology of their superior (indeed) divine moral exceptionalism that is the root of their national arrogance! This is why such truthful stories as this must be told. I am an Atheist but I do believe that the Christian Christ was correct when he said, "The TRUTH WILL set you FREE!"

For a time such as this

This book truly was a honest look at American history. It was very well researched and written. I also think the fact that it is written and read ( with a few momentary stumbles and restarts) by a West Point grad, combat veteran and professor gives it all kinds of credence and credibility. This man is NOT an arm chair philosopher, pontificating from the safety of an ivory tower. He is someone who has invested and sacrificed for this country, and has more than earned the right to critique it...warts and all. It also includes the scholarship and perspectives of all kinds of Americans. I was impressed by his command of African American history, the history of Native People, and Women's suffrage. Ultimately, he brings more light than heat, working hard to illuminate a path forward that includes us all instead of a privileged few. Those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it. Daniel is giving us an opportunity to make an informed decision to change course. We should take him up on his offer. Well done, sir.