The Untold History of the United States

Filmmaker Stone and historian Kuznick provide a companion to their recent Showtime documentary series that shatters popular notions about America’s role as a world superpower during the past century. Peter Berkrot provides biting narration that matches the tone of the book. As unapologetic progressives, Stone and Kuznick approach the past century with predictable disdain for political leaders from the right, but also with a tone of wounded betrayal regarding figures from the establishment left who have embraced Cold War and imperialistic policies. Among the highlights of Berkrot’s performance is his chilling rendering of auto tycoon Henry Ford’s pro-German declarations in the years leading up to Word War II. The narrator also demonstrates a rather impressive ability to mimic the voices of American presidents, most notably Nixon, Johnson, and Truman. Granted, Berkrot’s approach to such characterizations doesn’t capture subtle nuances, but neither do the authors themselves. A Gallery paperback. (June)