Many things have been said about the United States. Some of them are true.

There is also an extensive mythology about the US?a collection of interpretations, selective memories, half-truths, and some outright lies. That mythology has positive and negative effects.

It is said that the US is a nation of great promise, and this is true. But the promise of the US's ideals can only be fulfilled if and when we sweep aside the mythology and hold up the truth. This book identifies and dissects eight prominent myths long told about the US. To build a better society, we need sincere communities of engaged people to discuss who we are, how we got to where we are today, and what future we want. The histories in this book will hopefully spark such discussions.