45 pages • 1 hour read
Eric FonerThe Story of American Freedom
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1977A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Story of American Freedom by Eric Foner chronicles the evolution of American values of freedom and liberty from the American Revolution to the conservative resurgence of the 1980s and 1990s, focusing on how freedom has been limited, contested, and expanded over time. Foner explores the meanings of freedom, the social conditions enabling it, and its boundaries across key historical periods, detailing how various social and political movements have shaped its interpretation in the United States.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Eric Foner's The Story of American Freedom offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the evolving concept of freedom in American history. Praised for its thorough research, the book balances an engaging narrative with academic rigor. Some readers find it dense and occasionally repetitive, yet it remains a valuable resource for understanding America's complex freedom narrative.
Who Should Read The Story of American Freedom?
Readers who appreciate a nuanced take on American history, exploring the evolving concept of freedom, will enjoy Eric Foner’s The Story of American Freedom. Comparable works include Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Jill Lepore's These Truths, catering to those interested in critical, in-depth national narratives.