Telling perhaps the most important forgotten story in American history, eminent historian Nell Irvin Painter guides us through more than two thousand years of Western civilization, illuminating not only the invention of race but also the frequent praise of "whiteness" for economic, scientific, and political ends. A story filled with towering historical figures, The History of White People closes a huge gap in literature that has long focused on the non-white and forcefully reminds us that the concept of "race" is an all-too-human invention whose meaning, importance, and reality have changed as it has been driven by a long and rich history of events.

About the Author
Nell Irvin Painter is the award-winning author of many books, including Standing at Armageddon and The History of White People. She is the Edwards Professor of American History, Emerita, at Princeton University and lives in East Orange, New Jersey, and the Adirondacks.

Reviews
"One of the most important books ever on the social construction of the notion that there is a 'white' race." "[I]ntriguing and well researched. This is an important addition to the nascent academic field of whiteness studies, which examines the social construction of whiteness with particular attention to the American experience. It should be read by all historians and anyone with an interest in cultural studies." "Compelling, energetic, [and] highly readable." -- Alan Nadel "An insightful and lively exposition from a distinguished scholar." -- Linda Gordon



Book Information
ISBN 9780393339741
Author Nell Irvin Painter
Format Paperback
Page Count 512
Imprint WW Norton & Co
Publisher WW Norton & Co
Weight(grams) 491g
Dimensions(mm) 211mm * 142mm * 38mm