Myths of Modern History

Jacques Pauwels is hands down one of the most important historians writing today. His work combines profound erudition with pristine clarity. He has a unique ability to channel his expansive historical knowledge into pedagogical narratives that carefully walk the reader through extremely complex historical developments. The result is, quite simply, a series of the best books on modern and contemporary history that can—and should!—be read by both specialists and complete novices. Moreover, his commitment to the tradition of what Domenico Losurdo referred to as “counter-history” leads his readers through the looking glass, so to speak. Instead of the hackneyed stories peddled by the mainstream media and educational institutions, he delivers to his readers truly insightful, and sometimes surprising, accounts of what actually happened. His books are thus real page turners that are enthralling to read and amenable to a very large audience. I regularly teach his work and recommend it to students, professors and other interested parties. I have only heard praise of his work from those to whom I’ve recommended it

For scholars, students, and anyone seeking to uncover the narratives shaping our understanding of the past. Although its radical approach may be found challenging to adherents of conventional historiography, the book’s arguments are too compelling to ignore. For those exploring the intersections of capitalism, imperialism, and democracy, Pauwels’ work provides a thought-provoking and accessible entry point, and serves as a necessary corrective to the sanitized narratives currently dominating public discourse and scholarship.