Battles for Freedom: The Use and Abuse of American History

In this collection of essays published in the Nation, Foner, professor of history at Columbia University and Pulitzer Prize winner for The Fiery Trial, combines a deep and nuanced understanding of history with equally acute knowledge of politics to illuminate the abiding issues of the late 20th and early 21st centuries: immigration, civil rights, economics, and nationalism. Foner’s clear thinking and sound writing are evident throughout. Highlights include essays on Lincoln’s legacy and a series of exceptional works on inequality and the problems of race in America. He discusses how the many Southern state monuments to Confederate icons distort history and criticizes continued public use of the Confederate flag, bolstering his arguments with explanations of their tarnished historical origins. Foner’s work has particular resonance when he writes about the effect of the 9/11 attacks, warning that there are dangers to civil liberties when those who criticize the government are branded aliens and traitors. Foner’s orientation is liberal, but he doesn’t hesitate to criticize President Obama, who he feels embraced outdated economic policies and resisted “genuine change,” or to offer suggestions to Bernie Sanders on how to best present his message. These essays span 40 years of American history, but all are timely and wise. (May)