Albion's Seed

Four British Folkways in America, Vol. 1

By: David Hackett Fischer

Narrated by: Julian Elfer

Length: 29 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

This fascinating audiobook is the first volume in a projected cultural history of the United States, from the earliest English settlements to our own time. It is a history of American folkways as they have changed through time, and it argues a thesis about the importance for the United States of having been British in its cultural origins.

While most people in the United States today have no British ancestors, they have assimilated regional cultures which were created by British colonists, even while preserving ethnic identities at the same time. In this sense, nearly all Americans are "Albion's Seed," no matter what their ethnicity may be. The concluding section of this remarkable audiobook explores the ways that regional cultures have continued to dominate national politics from 1789 to 1988, and still help to shape attitudes toward education, government, gender, and violence, on which differences between American regions are greater than between European nations.

©1989 David Hackett Fischer (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Should be required reading for every American

This book explains who we are and why. Anyone who wants to grasp the dynamic behind our deepest conflicts will find compelling explanation here.

Brilliant analysis

Fascinating cultural history with surprisingly powerful present day implications. Fischer is a national treasure. Excelkent narration.

Our roots

A brilliant analysis of how 4 17th & early 18th century immigrants from different sections of the British isles left a lingering and profound impact on our forged but conflicted identity.

An important work for US history buffs.

all my friends are sick and tired of me going on about this book, so I'll just say that it's impeccably narrated, well written, and clear and to the point. one of the best and most interesting books on US history I've ever "read".

Very informative

Every American ought to read to gain a better perspective why we are as we are.

great information on US history and culture

informed the cultural landscape of US very well.
Lays out the 4 main people groups that helped build these United States.

#1 History for American Settlement

This is an outstanding work on Anglo-American cultures. I hope he will write the promised sequels.

Relevant to 2016 Political realignment

An excellent analysis of regional basis & differences of our British roots. The last chapter culminates in explanation of changes in parties & politics which is relevant to today's changes & party switching.

How to understand American Politics!

This book should be called: How to understand American Politics!

David Hackett Fischer illustrates the foundation of the America Nation through the personality and culture of the British immigrants that settled it. Understanding these pockets of immigrants and the corresponding culture and religion they brought with them, helped me understand the cultures within the United States today. Most of the core beliefs, tenants and attitudes are still alive and well and impacting our daily lives. They are particularly apparent in politics. It is a wonderful book! Reading it will give you a deeper understanding about America, while illustrating how immigrants - from anywhere, during any decade - are influential to building and reshaping of America. It has been that way since its inception.

#Immigration #VoicesFromTheGrave #AmericanRevolution #EnglandtoAmerica #Tagsgiving #Sweetstakes

it's a long one, but worth it

This is a pretty deep dive into the origins of so much of the US's character. It is laid out very well and generally easy to approach.