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Sundown Towns

A Hidden Dimension of American Racism

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About this listen

 Sundown Towns examines thousands of all-white American towns that were - and still are, in some instances - racially exclusive by design.

Professor emeritus at the University of Vermont, James W. Loewen won the National Book Award for his New York Times best seller Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong.

©2005 James W. Loewen (P)2008 Recorded Books Americas Black & African American Racism & Discrimination Social Sciences United States Discrimination Social justice Equality Latin American American History Africa Human Rights

Critic reviews

"Deserves to become an instant classic in the fields of American race relations, urban studies and cultural geography." ( Washington Post Book World)
"Sure to become a landmark in several fields and a sure bet among Loewen's many fans." ( Publishers Weekly)
All stars
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it's a shocking tale, as a Brit I had no idea that whole towns were designed, actually planned, to exclude Black people. The nastiness that was done, covered up, and still denied.

An important book, but the chapters full of dense figures and percentages can't really be followed audibly, and could do with editing.

much too long, would be 5 star

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I was interested in this book, having read another James Loewen book. However, this needs some serious editing to make it something you can finish. I must confess to having got bored with it, and considering the serious point he is making that doesn't make me feel good about myself.

Sometimes you can make a better point by highlighting typical examples, rather than just endless lists. This takes away from the tragic nature of the way non whites have been treated in the USA of the past (and how this impacts the present and future). It is like listening to a lecture from your dad who just keeps saying 'and another thing'

As I haven't managed to get past the first few chapters I may have to eat my words if I ever get to the end of the book. Given the serious subject matter I feel awful giving this such a low rating. It is something you feel you should know about but do they have to make it so dull?

Needs a really good editor

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