FREE SHIPPING WITHIN THE USA, BUT I WILL SHIP WORLDWIDE AT BUYER'S EXPENSE 1980 FIRST EDITION AMERICAN MYTH AMERICAN REALITY BY JAMES OLIVER ROBERTSON Review: American myth, American reality - Editorial review- Kirkus Reviews Professor Robertson (History, Univ. of Connecticut, Storrs), makes a brave but doomed attempt to survey and criticize the entire corpus of American mythology--political, social, psychological, etc. Too much material is involved to begin with, especially since Robertson explains everything from scratch (Parson Weems' cherry tree, Thomas Jefferson's yeoman farmer, Sinclair Lewis' Gopher Prairie, Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.'s imperial presidency, and so forth). The reader ignorant of all this, however, will find here a lively, detailed cram course in the myriad ways Americans have framed and interpreted their national experience. But problems arise in Robertson's handling of the material. As his title suggests, he thinks our myths have not just molded historical fact, but have masked and distorted it. And his final judgment of the American enterprise proves to be sharply negative: American power, he insists, has ""failed to provide for the continuing independence and happiness of individuals, failed to realize the extent to which power limits freedom, and has therefore destroyed freedom while trying to create or enhance it."" This is a reasonable position, but the myth-critique Robertson bases it on has some serious weaknesses. For one thing he neglects the biblical myths (e.g., the great prophetic visions of divine justice) that have played, and still play, a major part in our political life. And, much worse, he makes the astounding statement that mythic thought is ""essentially descriptive, not judgmental,"" and hence innocent and amoral. Tell that to Francis Scott Key or Julia Ward Howe. Despite such philosophical lapses, though, this is potentially quite useful to beginners in the study of American culture. *LIKE NEW CONDITION* THE DUST JACKET HAS SLIGHT SHELF WEAR FRONT AND BACK OF DUST JACKET HAS A CREASE ON THE TOP EDGE, APART FROM THAT THE BOOK IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION THE BOOK HAS NORMAL SHELF WEAR PUBLISHED BY HILL WANG/FARRAR, STRAUS AND GIROUX ISBN# 0809025043 398 PAGES SEE OUR OTHER BOOKS IN OUR STORE! Check out my other items! Makes a nice gift or keepsake to add to a collection We accept Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. All postage is calculated at cost which also includes packaging and handling fees which make our standard low cost shipping rates more appealing to our by buyers. Items will be shipped via FedEX or USPS Flat rate postal service with Delivery confirmation, unless otherwise stated in the listing. If you buy more than one item we combine shipping give a $1.00 discount on shipping for each additional item purchased within (7) days of the first initial purchase. Please allow 5 business days for delivery once item has been paid for through paypal. RETURN POLICY All items are shipped as described in the listing if the item has been damaged through shipping we'll take an assertive role to rectify the matter. We have have an excellent feedback rating because our major goal is to satisfy all our customers. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SELLER IS NOT AN EXPERT IN ANY OF THE ITEMS BEING OFFERED. ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD "AS IS" THEREFORE IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUYER TO CHECK ALL ITEMS BEFORE PURCHASING THEIR SELECTED PRODUCT. ALL SALES ARE FINAL We at Jaxsprat's Unique Collectibles have been avid treasure hunters for over fifteen years. Within the confines of our beautiful and cluttered home in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida we have been operating our store for over five years as a wholehearted family enterprise. Our aim is to provide and showcase quality antiques, collectibles, memorabilia, and fine art at affordable prices for everyone. We seek to ensure that our customers have a wonderful experience when shopping for collectibles in our store. If you have any inquiries or questions in reference to this item or any other item. We are available 24/7 as we make it an integral part of our customer service policy to respond to you in a efficient and timely manner. JAXSPRATS UNIQUE COLLECTIBLES "If it's unique, we have it" Facebook Twitter Pinterest Google [email protected] Every buyer gets a MyStoreRewards invitation for cash back