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Vendor
Liepman Literary Agency
Marc Koralnik
Original language
English

BARACK OBAMA: AMERICAN HISTORIAN

Steven Sarson

‘In this timely and brilliant book, Steven Sarson uncovers Barack Obama's compassionate, coherent conception of his nation's past: a story of a people striving for unity out of diversity, and which, through trial and tribulation has progressed. Written in lucid, engaging prose by a masterful historian with a deep understanding of both Obama and the history he tells, this book offers much-needed hope as well as understanding. It is essential reading for anyone who cares about America and is interested in why its past is so bound up with its present.', Adam Smith, Senior Lecturer in History, University College London, UK
Explores Barack Obama's interpretation of American history from the colonial period to the 21st century, as seen through his speeches and writings.

Barack Obama's politics are deeply informed by his profound knowledge and understanding of his country's history. His articles, books, and speeches are replete with references to America's past and how that relates to the present he sees and the future he envisions.

Exploring Obama's own words, Steven Sarson examines his interpretation of American history from colonial times to the present, showing how Obama sees American history as beginning with the “common creed” of equality and liberty proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence and the “more perfect union” created by the Constitution. He analyses Obama's understanding of the colonies, revolution, and early nation, slavery and the civil war, segregation and civil rights, economy and society, Native Americans and foreign policy. An epilogue explores how Obama personifies the American dream through the stories of individuals, including his own.

A unique and fascinating take on the past and how we interpret it, this book will appeal to all students and scholars of American history, as well as anyone interested in Obama's presidency.

Steven Sarson is Professor of American Civilisation at Jean Moulin University, France. He is the author of The Tobacco-Plantation South and the Early American Atlantic World (2013); British America: Creating Colonies, Imagining an Empire (2015) and numerous articles, and is the co-editor of The American Colonies and the British Empire (2011).
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Published 2018-08-01 by Bloomsbury