Uncle Eric History Books
by Richard Maybury
Reviewed by Martha Robinson
Purchase details: The Thousand Year War, paperback, 272 pages, $17.95. World War I, paperback, 252 pages, $17.95. World War II, paperback, 352 pages, $19.95. Published by Bluestocking Press. Please support HomeschoolChristian.com by buying these books using the Amazon.com links above.
In The Thousand Year War, World War I, and World War II, Uncle Eric (Richard Maybury) attempts to explain how the past relates to today's world. As in his other books, he writes letters to "Chris", a younger person who has heard the statist, or government, point of view of history. Uncle Eric takes a much different slant on history including how people of other nations view our country. Frequently his "non-statist" slant comes across as a completely anti-government perspective.
The Thousand Year War provides insight into the conflict in the Middle East. Uncle Eric points out the many cultures that exist there and discusses the long memory of the Islamic people for the horrors inflicted upon their ancestors during the Crusades. He explains why war has been going on and will continue to go on for the foreseeable future. This book concludes with a discussion of countries in Chaos-tan, an area full of confusion in North Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.
The World War I and World War II books are a series that shows how the two wars were actually just different chapters of the same war and continuations of conflicts and policies from the past. Uncle Eric covers much ground in these including colonialism, guerilla warfare, propaganda, and racism. He explains war from an economic perspective and shows that governments frequently make decisions that do not make sense. Uncle Eric suggests that "USG" (U.S. government) policies with the World Wars have led to the situation today with terrorist attacks.
Recommendation: While Uncle Eric's history commentaries will not serve as a comprehensive look at history, they do provide excellent fodder for conversation and debate. These books would be particularly valuable for high school and college honors classes or the homeschooling family that likes to have serious discussions about controversial topics. Anyone with an interest in understanding different perspectives of government and international relations will enjoy this series.
HomeschoolChristian.com resources related to this review:
Interview with Richard Maybury, author of the Uncle Eric books
Review of Economics, A Free Market Reader by Richard Maybury
Review of Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? by Richard Maybury
Review of The Clipper Ship Strategy by Richard Maybury
Review of The Money Mystery by Richard Maybury
Review of Evaluating Books, What Would Thomas Jefferson Think About This? by Richard Maybury
Review of Uncle Eric Talks About Personal, Career, and Financial Security by Richard Maybury
Review of Ancient Rome, How It Affects You Today
Review of Whatever Happened to Justice? by Richard Maybury
Review of Are You Liberal, Conservative, or Confused? by Richard Maybury
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