A Renegade History of the United States

by Thaddeus Russell
A Renegade History of the United States cover
Good Books rating 4.0
History, Identity, Culture, Sociology
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  • ID: 8454
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-22
  • ISBN: 9781847377098
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2010-09-02
  • Reviews: 3

A Renegade History of the United States offers a provocative and absorbing new perspective on America's history. Popular historian Thaddeus Russell challenges conventional wisdom by highlighting the roles of often-overlooked figures such as drunkards, prostitutes, and pirates in the American Revolution. The book argues that these 'bad' people were instrumental in driving progress and liberty./n/nRussell's narrative spans from the colonial era to modern times, revealing how marginalized groups and unconventional individuals have significantly influenced American culture and politics. From slaves enjoying more leisure than free men to organized crime paving the way for Hollywood and labor unions, the book presents a counterintuitive view of history that emphasizes the importance of resistance and nonconformity in shaping the common good.

Reviews
Toomuchberard Blog · Berard · 2022-08-29
thought-provoking 3.75

The author argues that the book challenges traditional views of American freedom and highlights the role of fringe groups. The book is praised for its engaging and thought-provoking content.

Berard finds 'A Renegade History of the United States' to be a challenging and engaging read. The book's focus on the role of fringe groups and outsiders in shaping American values and liberties is particularly noteworthy. Berard appreciates how Russell's work challenges traditional views and offers a fresh perspective on American history. The book is described as thought-provoking and compelling, making it a valuable addition to the historical literature. However, Berard notes that the book's highly opinionated nature might not appeal to everyone.

Quick quotes

    We've burnt through hyperbole like fossil fuels, and it too creates an illusion of progress.

    Russell's Renegade History is not an academic work. Rather, it is a highly opinionated popular account of a traditionally marginalized subject.

    The book is wonderfully compelling and interesting, delving past the sanitized version of history.

History Rat · History Rat · 2011-09-25
refreshing 4.25

The book is a well-written history of the underbelly of American history, covering various marginalized groups. It is praised for its engaging narrative and insightful analysis.

History Rat commends 'A Renegade History of the United States' for its well-written and engaging narrative. The book covers a wide range of marginalized groups, from immigrant communities to minority cultures, and provides an insightful analysis of their impact on American history. History Rat appreciates how Russell's work sheds light on the often overlooked aspects of American history, making it a valuable and compelling read. The book is described as a refreshing take on the subject, offering a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the nation's past.

Quick quotes

    A Renegade History of the United States is a well written history of the underbelly of American History.

    From immigrant groups to minority to drink, music, sex, and more, it covers a wide range of topics.

    It's always refreshing when a scholar will delve past the sanitized version of history that most textbooks will give the.

The Guardian · Gary Younge · 2011-09-20
intriguing 4.00

The book offers a revisionist take on American history, highlighting the contributions of marginalized groups. It challenges traditional narratives and provides a fresh perspective on the origins of American freedom.

Gary Younge praises 'A Renegade History of the United States' for its bold and revisionist approach to American history. The book delves into the often overlooked roles of immigrants, minorities, and other outsiders in shaping the nation's values and liberties. Younge appreciates how Russell's work challenges the conventional narratives and offers a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of American freedom. The book is described as a compelling read that sheds light on the underbelly of American history, making it a valuable contribution to the historical discourse.

Quick quotes

    It is revisionist history at its best.

    While tensions between settler and Indian, democrat and monarchist, slave and master are familiar, Russell's focus on the role of the outsider is refreshing.

    The book is a highly opinionated popular account of a traditionally marginalized subject.

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