Land of Hope

An Invitation to the Great American Story

By: Wilfred M. McClay

Narrated by: Pete Cross

Length: 20 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's Summary

We have a glut of text and trade books on American history. But what we don’t have is a compact, inexpensive, and authoritative book that will offer to American citizens a clear, informative, and inspiring narrative account of their own country. Such an account can shape and deepen their sense of the land they inhabit and, by making them understand that land’s roots, and share in its memories, equip them for the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship in American society. It will provide them with an enduring sense of membership in one of the greatest enterprises in human history: the exciting, perilous, and consequential story of their own country.

The existing texts simply fail to tell that story with energy and conviction. They are more likely to reflect the skeptical or partial outlook of specialized professional academic historians, an outlook that leads to a fragmented and fractured view of modern American society and fails to convey the greater arc of history. A great nation needs and deserves a great and coherent narrative as an expression of its own self-understanding, and it needs to be able to convey that narrative to its young effectively. It perhaps goes without saying that such a narrative cannot be a fairy tale or a whitewash of the past; it will not be convincing if it is not truthful. But there is no necessary contradiction between an honest account of the American past and an inspiring one. This account seeks to provide both.

©2020 Wilfred M. McClay (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC

An apt word in discouraging times

This was history reported in story form. It was a refreshing reminder of this experiment called America and how it offers a basis for hope to be realized. It painfully reminds of our shameful mistakes but in a context of a universally shared human weakness—not making excuses but I think more showing how desperately fragile a good government is to keep. The story is captivating and leaves you wanting to be that patriot for an enduring America, but a wiser and more humble one that hopefully learns from the past.

HOME

Home is a place where you love, live and leave a legacy. Usually children. 50 years ago, my Grandfather didn't appreciate my sense of humor. "Young man!" I'm going to tell you what my father told me." "You're American, speak American!" A very subdued youngster, croaked, "Yes Sir", in my normal voice. My Greatfather came here to America, as a 15yo man from Ireland.

Land of Hope

Outstanding and succinct review of the United States' development and turbulent but impressive past. I deeply appreciate the perspective that such a historical review provides and indeed, such historical reflection keeps me from quick judgement on past events and decisions.

Need to know info

This should be taught in every single High School in America!!!!! I completely enjoyed this book and the course that accompanies it.

2020 would not be half so 2020 if Land of Hope was assigned reading

Worth the hype. Inspiring and heart-expanding. The basis of McClay’s historical philosophy is gratitude, and the need for a shared appreciation of the meaning of a nation that inspires, breeds love and gratitude, and pulls us upward toward the vision of our Land of Hope.

Superb

Superb. Treats the sorry as well as the positive aspects of our history. Clear and easy to listen to.

awesome

Balance we sorely need in these times; the anti-zinn!!! A must read for us all.

Thorough, Solid, Balanced Book

McClay does a commendable job covering our nation’s history. While offering an optimistic and appreciative look at the accomplishments of the US, he does not gloss over our many faults and inexcusable shortfalls. I appreciate the tone and hopeful narrative McClay uses & I would highly recommend this book to anyone who feels pessimistic about our nation at this moment.

excellent telling of US history. super engaging!

Excellent telling of US history. super engaging! it has a nice mix of content and fun anecdotes.

Balanced History

The author provides an excellent analysis of American history. He does not shy away from America’s failures and faults, but help to contextualize them. I highly recommend this book. The audio edition was also well done.