Two decades ago when Michael A. Bellesiles came into our studios for a
live interview to discuss his book "Arming America: The Origins of a
National Gun Culture" he was on a roll. He had just been featured in the
New York Times. The book was getting some great reviews. In the near
future he would be receiving the Bancroft Prize, the most prestigious
award an American history book can receive.
But chinks were starting to appear in the armor that day. The author had
a gotten a figurative target placed on his back by groups like the NRA
and soon things would really begin really falling apart for him. The
controversy that erupted over the book was probably the most significant
history kerfuffle of that period.
I thought this was a good interview. Listen and see if you agree ...
The Book Nook on WYSO is presented by the Greene County Public Library with additional support from Washington-Centerville Public Library, Clark County Public Library, Dayton Metro Library, and Wright Memorial Public Library.
