I Love Paul Revere, Whether He Rode or Not

by Richard Shenkman

 

This is both a very entertaining and informative short book about

myths in American history.  The chapters are by subject, rather

than dates, and you do not have to read in sequence.

 

The book is extremely well footnoted for accuracy, with

many page notes, too.

 

The internet today is creating new myths because when

we hear it enough, we begin to believe it. Shenkman, author

of other such books, one a past New Times Best seller, “Legends, Lies & Cherished Myths of American History,” perhaps sums up his latest

in the last paragraph:

 

“The mistake is not creating myths but in pretending the myths are true, which breeds suspicion when it is discovered they are not. Actually, we can have our myths and truth, too. Myths serve as symbols of cultural unity even when their fictitiousness is well established.  Just because Santa Claus is a fantasy doesn’t mean we have to take him out and shoot him.”

 

199 pages plus notes