Not Stolen

The Truth About European Colonialism in the New World

De: Jeff Fynn-Paul

Narrado por: Paul Maitrejean

A renowned historian debunks current distortion and myths about European colonialism in the New World and restores much needed balance to our understanding of the past.

Was America really “stolen” from the Indians? Was Columbus a racist? Were Indians really peace-loving, communistic environmentalists? Did Europeans commit “genocide” in the New World? It seems that almost everyone—from CNN to the New York Times to angry students pulling down statues of our founders—believes that America’s history is a shameful tale of racism, exploitation, and cruelty.

In Not Stolen, renowned historian Jeff Fynn-Paul systematically dismantles this relentlessly negative view of U.S. history, arguing that it is based on shoddy methods, misinformation, and outright lies about the past. America was not “stolen” from the Indians but fairly purchased piece by piece in a thriving land market. Nor did European settlers cheat, steal, murder, rape or purposely infect them with smallpox to the extent that most people believe. No genocide occurred—either literal or cultural—and the decline of Native populations over time is not due to violence but to assimilation and natural demographic processes.

Fynn Paul not only debunks these toxic myths, but provides a balanced portrait of this complex historical process over 500 years. The real history of Native and European relations will surprise you. Not only is this not a tale of shameful sins and crimes against humanity—it is more inspiring than you ever dared to imagine.

©2023 Bombardier Books An Imprint of Post Hill Press (P)2024 Ascend Audio LLC

Necessary reading

A necessary counterpoint to modern anti west fascists who attempt to paint American settlers as uniquely evil instead of heroic.

Flabbergasted to learn the stats and primary sources

A bit longish, but I suppose it’s merited given the contentious nature of the topic - lots of criticisms to be overcome with facts. I imagine for every scholar like Flynn-Paul, there are a few dozen political ideologue pseudo historians writing sensational counterclaims.

Excellent!

Excellent both for its scope and depth, An honest look and assessment of our national story.

ties to actual history vs opinion

A book that doesn't allow a fad history to get in the way of the actual past.

A pursuit of truth.

It is nice to hear an author bring a desire to be truthful rather than influential when presenting historical information.