Historians

Doris Kearns Goodwin

Bill Thompson

Happy Presidents Day.

Now, if you’re old enough, as I am, you may remember that this day was traditionally celebrated as Lincoln’s birthday. It was transformed into President’s Day in 1971, as part of the move toward more Monday holidays.

In 2005, noted presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, whose best selling books included volumes about Lyndon Johnson and John F Kennedy, took on a new subject: Abraham Lincoln.

Struck by the political acumen displayed by this simple country lawyer, Goodman titled her book
Team of Rivals.

So here now, from 2005, Doris Kearns Goodwin:

Richard Shenkman

Bill Thompson

As we head into the Independence Day weekend, it’s a good time to look back on American history.

For example, we all know that Christopher Columbus discovered America. No, wait, Leif Erikson did.

Abe Lincoln once walk 3 miles to return a library book.

George Washington had wooden teeth.

Are these things true, or are they Legends and myths?

In 1989, investigative journalist Richard Shankman wrote a book called “Legends, Lies, and Cherished Myths About American History.”

Here now, from 1989, Richard Shenkman. \

Rick Shenkman has written several other books debunking the myths of history. And he is founder and editor of the History News Network website.