Overview

"Telling perhaps the most important forgotten story in American history, eminent historian Nell Irvin Painter guides us through more than two thousand years of Western civilization, illuminating not only the invention of race but also the frequent praise of ""whiteness"" for economic, scientific, and political ends. A story filled with towering historical figures, The History of White People closes a huge gap in literature that has long focused on the non-white and forcefully reminds us that the concept of ""race"" is an all-too-human invention whose meaning, importance, and reality have changed as it has been driven by a long and rich history of events."

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9780393339741

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Reviews

One of the most important books ever on the social construction of the notion that there is a 'white' race. -- Tikkun [I]ntriguing and well researched. This is an important addition to the nascent academic field of whiteness studies, which examines the social construction of whiteness with particular attention to the American experience. It should be read by all historians and anyone with an interest in cultural studies. -- Library Journal Compelling, energetic, [and] highly readable. -- Alan Nadel - Philadelphia Inquirer An insightful and lively exposition from a distinguished scholar. -- Linda Gordon - The New York Times Book Review

One of the most important books ever on the social construction of the notion that there is a white race.

Author Information

Nell Irvin Painter is the award-winning author of many books, including Standing at Armageddon and The History of White People. She is the Edwards Professor of American History, Emerita, at Princeton University and lives in East Orange, New Jersey, and the Adirondacks.

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