The American Identity

By: Patrick N. Allitt, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Patrick N. Allitt

What defines an American? Is it the love of liberty, the pursuit of justice, the urge to invent, the desire for wealth, the drive to explore, the quest for spiritual values? The paradox of American identity is that although the United States is a melting pot of many different traditions, motives, and ideals, there are nevertheless distinctive qualities that define the American character.

In this series of 48 fascinating lectures, an award-winning teacher and author explores the national character by introducing you to notable men and women from every era of American history - some of them famous, some unknown, some even infamous - whose lives speak eloquently about the qualities, for better or worse, that make one truly American. Focusing on various character traits and attitudes that have indelibly shaped the national psyche, Professor Allitt takes you on a journey from the very first settlers to the present, showing how certain characteristics have persisted through time and also how certain traits and beliefs have changed. And while the lectures are enjoyable as a well-told series of biographies, they do much more, helping you gain a deeper understanding of the trends and ideas that have shaped America and continue to influence American society today.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2005 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2005 The Great Courses

American history told through rich tapestry of interrelated biographies

Lively, insightful presentation brimming with understanding of how each character exemplified and extended the attributes of "American character".

This lecture series gave me a lot to think about

Professor Allitt lays out historical events in a way that is pleasing and also demanding. He asks insightful questions and provides meaningful information. His spin on the American Identity is persuasively presented.

Fascinating and well-organized lectures

Professor Allitt is always worth a listen. I had put this one off, thinking I was a bit tired of American history, but his approach of using certain individuals as a lens to look at particularly American traits was fascinating. Having grown up elsewhere, he offers an interesting perspective, and his usual even handed depiction was well-done in a time of polarization. He's always witty and charming and is a fabulous storyteller.

I think this one could be quite interesting to someone new to American history or a homeschooling student.

Nice history of American individuals

I enjoyed this lecture because it takes an interesting look at American history, but I don't think the lecture particularly covered American identity. Especially with how long this lecture is, it lacks a cohesive thread connecting all of the individuals Professor Allitt describes. The first and last chapters attempt to make that thread, but I don't think it was successful. Otherwise, I did enjoy learning about different Americans who have contributed to what America is today.

Some overlooked but influential Americans

Excellent course that covers many influential Americans, many of whom we are less familiar with today.

As an ex-pat Briton, I really appreciate how the professor is able to give "an outsider's perspective" and often feel such people can see aspects that native Americans might not perceive.

Excellent presentation style, with clear storytelling, as usual from Professor Allitt.

One of my top 3 lecturers on TGC

I recently just discovered Patrick N. Allitt on the great courses and quickly fell in love with his lectures and teaching style. He has become one of my favorites and I have listened to literally dozens of different courses. He keeps his lectures focused and adds enough fun and humor to the lectures to keep your interest. Any one of his courses are a must listen.

Brilliant

Hearing these lectures at this time in our history (2022) is especially poignant. The story is told through biographical sketches of Americans, significant in different ways. I learned so much about these individuals and about what is important in our country, for better or worse, as we face an uncertain future.

Superb series of individual bio's

Most are outstanding. A few, which probably were added for the sake of inclusiveness, leave one head-scratching. Jesse Jackson? Seriously? Show me the money.

interesting

I would have liked a little more detail on each person. was read very well.

Endlessly Fascinating and Entertaining Stories

What made the experience of listening to The American Identity the most enjoyable?

I have watched or listened to many of The Great Courses series, and Professor Patrick Allitt ranks among my very favorite professors. I had previously listened to his course called American Religious History, and loved it. He is both a scholar and a natural storyteller. His lectures are filled with fascinating portraits of historical figures that rival any audio book in terms of drama and intrigue.The moment The American Identity started playing through my car speakers, I heard Professor Allitt's voice and a broad smile of recognition came across my face because I knew I was in for an entertaining treat. 36 half-hour lectures flew by like the wind, and I found myself looking for excuses to spend more time listening.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The American Identity?

Each lecture profiles a different American selected by Professor Allitt as representative of various aspects of American Identity. Professor Allitt is a Brit who has been the Cahoon Professor of American History at Emory University for over 25 years. He is like a modern day de Toqueville, offering a brilliant perspective on what makes America unique.The very first lecture about the settler John Smith set the tone. What a fascinating character. Forget the myths you were told in elementary school. Turns out Smith was an insufferable social climber and pragmatist who didn't actually spend that much time in America, but set the tone of meritocracy for the new land. By the end of that first 30 minutes, I knew I had already gotten my money's worth.

Have you listened to any of Professor Patrick N. Allitt’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my second of The Great Courses by Professor Allitt. Fortunately, he has a half dozen other titles, and I plan to listen to or watch them all.