History as Mystery

Michael Parenti's History as Mystery was a wonderful discovery. As a fan of all things historical, it is always a pleasure to discover a writer who looks at history from a different angle from most mainstream authors. Parenti has a viewpoint and shouts it loudly and proudly. Since all history writers have a bias of some kind, it is nice to read a book that wears its bias on its sleeve. He is far left. That could pose a problem for some readers who are so firmly entrenched to the right but for others it is a delight to travel with Parenti as he examines the ways history is manipulated by the ruling elite for their own benefit. This book, whether you agree with it or not, will make you question other historians as you read them. That is a very good thing. This book opened my mind a little (and along with the History on Trial, as a companion piece) allowed me to examine with insight the history that I have been spoon fed in the past and the history books I will enter into in the future. An entertaining read from an angry (with every reason to be so) book.

I've read several of Parenti's other books, and I avidly absorb Chomsky, Zinn, etc. So the fact that I was thrilled to get this book for Christmas (from my Mom, who no doubt didn't look inside or she'd have been horrified by the critique of the Church) should come as no surprise. Parenti writes in a very comfortable style that is more accessible than Chomsky while retaining a very academic approach. I think this makes his work far more readable for the average person and certainly for people who are just approaching the field of progressive thought (such as my wife) and aren't ready for for the more analytical style of Chomsky. The subject matter I was quite familiar with before reading it, but it was nice to be able to reference the footnotes and have easy access to supporting documentation for my arguments with people who believe anything they see on TV. Thanks for a wonderful book, as usual, Michael!

This an absolutely sensational book that deserves to be read by a wider audience than it will probably get. Parenti touches on traditionally taboo subjects and sheds a whole lotta light on them. His section on the religious inquisition is outstanding along with the analysis of how powerful mainstream intellectuals have white washed the death of Zachary Taylor. If you have time to read only one history book all year make this the one.

I am a serious student of history and find the review by Jay Freeman insulting. This is classic Parenti.