History Myths Exploded: How Some of History’s Biggest Ideas are Wrong

De: Christopher R. Fee, Jeff Webb

Narrado por: Christopher R. Fee, Jeff Webb

Join the acclaimed authors of the encyclopedia of conspiracy theories in exploring some of history's great myths.

In this provocative audio course, you’ll travel through time with history and medieval literature experts to learn why the truth about past events is so elusive. Your journey will be helmed by two award-winning scholars: acclaimed literature and mythology professor Christopher Fee and historian Jeffrey Webb.

Profs. Fee and Webb explain that although most of us recognize the value of good history, we often find truthful accounts of the past, frankly, less than inspiring. What really excites us is a tale well told.

Following a timeline that begins in Ancient Greece and ends in 1960s America, Profs. Fee and Webb reveal the surprising truth behind dominant narratives about the 300 Spartans, Columbus’s discovery of America, Lincoln’s role in Emancipation, Edison’s inventions, and much more.

Over the course of 14 lectures, Profs. Fee and Webb explore the relationship between myth and history, surveying the boundary line between legend and fact. They affirm myth’s enduring appeal and cultural importance while also highlighting its implicit hazards. Ultimately, they show that disentangling myth from history teaches us valuable lessons about our common humanity.

As you explode some of history’s biggest myths, you’ll discover how both fact and fiction convey eternal truths.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

©2019 Now You Know Media (P)2019 Now You Know Media

Love These Guys!

Fee and Webb are fun to listen to. For two guys who really know their stuff, they are surprisingly funny and quick-witted. I found the format - discussion/podcast style broken into 25-minute chunks - very easy to listen to in the car. The topic is also interesting, as Fee and Webb dispelled many myths we're taught in school. For instance, I did not realize the American wild west was partially invented by fiction writers. I'd love to hear more from these two!

Engaging and informative

This lecture series is led by two professors, one who teachers literature and mythology and the other an historian. They co-edited an encylopedia on conspiracy theories, and each is an excellent teacher. They present an interesting discussion of 'truth' and the roles of historical fact and myth in making sense of the past. They then discuss major historical events and the mythologies that have grown up around them. Though a bit dry in a few spots, this is a fascinating course. It raises important questions about evidence and human nature. Thoughtful and well-presented. Another fine series by Learn25.

Stories I Thought I Know By Heart, But I Didn’t

The opening of this course tells a lot about the rest of the content. We use the word “Myth” in the wrong context; this is the first thing I learned from this course.
The conversations were so natural. I got the feeling that they were between mythology and history; not just between Christopher and Jeffery. The more interactive Jeff and Chris were, the more interesting the topics were.

From a philosophical perspective, truth and facts are important. However, myths also teach us a lot. History isn't written by heroes; it's written by victors. This makes looking for the truth and true history harder. Chapter 14, the last lecture, was AMAZING in explaining the difference between history and myths and why myths are part of history.

If you are interested in history, myths, or stories, you will find the stories they discuss very interesting. They talked about Rome, Islam and Christianity Clash (Which was GREAT), the discovery of the new world, Native Americans, the American West, and other topics. Each chapter is 25 to 30 minutes, which is great if you are going to listen to this course while driving or before going to bed (It is what I did).

After listening to this course, I can say that I will never look at past events and history the same way anymore. I will search for the pure truth.
Also, I look for some of the works of Christopher and/or Jeffery. I enjoyed listening to them; they have a unique style. They are not just telling stories, but also explain the details in a very engaging way.
In other words, they revealed unknown aspects of the stories that we, as the public, think we know well but we do not.
Thank you, Christopher and Jeffery, for this great time!

Does history make myths or do myths make history?

This has been a question that interested me in a long time. For example, when we see the actual, historically-accurate depictions of ancient Rome or the Wild West, we would be shocked at the differences between what was and what is in our minds. Statues aren't white, cowboys didn't go around shooting each other constantly, and so on.

This book examines how these mental pictures form in our collective imagination. It's really interesting how real story can turn into myth and myth into history.

Would give it a new listen soon.

Funny and engaging

What a great listen. While not a traditional audiobook, the two speakers are very knowledgeable on these historical myths and interact in a playful and engaging way. This course is a must listen for anyone interested in history, or good stories, or fun in general.

Vital dialogues for understanding past and present

This course offers such valuable insight into history's truths, half-truths, and outright lies. Fee and Webb, good friends and both renowned scholars, energetically dissect popular historical myths in podcast-like sessions that are extremely enjoyable to listen to. While acknowledging that certain myths and legends have a fictional truth that is meaningful and important, many manipulations of history have obscured dark truths and made history what a certain group wanted it to be. Chapters such as the one on Native American myth are very effective at showing why, as Fee says, "there are no historical facts--only sources." Listening to this course equips you to critically question historical accounts and the narration of current events. Highly recommend!

Perfect Discussion of Myth in Relation to History

Although the collection is billed as a lecture series, do not let the stereotype of a stuffy professor in a tweed blazer at a podium spouting wisdom deter you. This recording is much closer to the accessible and comfortable vibe of a podcast, making it enjoyable for a wide audience. Fee and Webb engage in a series of spirited discussions based on people, places, and events from Ancient World to Modern American history with the goal of debunking long-standing myths about these topics. Fee has built his career on studying myths and legends and Webb is a dedicated historian, so together they are able to present both sides of the coin when it comes to topics like Christopher Columbus, the Civil War, and great American presidents of the 20th century. By comparing and contrasting historical facts to commonly accepted lore and pop culture depictions, Fee and Webb do not aim to discredit the great historical figures and events, but rather to allow the listeners to think critically about what we have always accepted as truth and re-evaluate why we choose to celebrate these icons from our history. Though it is clear that their common goal is to bring the truth to light, they often good-naturedly disagree on their topics, further demonstrating the multi-faceted truth to many of their subjects. As a high school English teacher, I especially enjoy the opening lecture on the difference between myth, legend, and folklore. I fully intend to use this in my classes during my unit that includes The Odyssey, Beowulf, and the legends of King Arthur. 

Very interesting comparison of history and myth

Great content. The two experts featured in this title really know what they're talking about, and come from two different but complementary fields – one is a professor of mythology and the other a historian. It was interesting to hear the definition of myth in this context (relating to mythology) compared to the way we use the word "myth" in everyday speech. To us it means almost any story that is untrue, but in this context we're hearing about much bigger stories: the stories of creation and the universe as devised by different cultures. It's really neat to see how all of this ties in with history. I liked that some of the content was presented in dialogue form/like a conversation, although most was lecture style.

Relatable history and a pop culture lens

Great insight into the truths between fact and story, from Spartans to Cuban Missle Crisis.

Good narration

Worth a listen. I was pleasantly surprised these professors didn’t not try to out smart each other. The content and conversation was thought provoking and interesting. I rarely to never give 5 stars, so don’t let that discourage you if you are interested in this lecture series.