In this forceful manifesto, Hirsch argues that children in the U.S. are being deprived of the basic knowledge that would enable them to function in contemporary society. Includes 5,000 essential facts to know.
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From AudioFile
In this essay Hirsch proposes that all Americans learn common points of reference so all may exchange ideas equitably. A list of recommended terms to know follows. Although Barrett Whitener reads this book quite respectably, the separate DICTIONARY OF CULTURAL LITERACY, which actually defines the itemized topics, probably would be a more engaging audio because listeners could affirm and expand their grasp of "what every American needs to know." Whitener gives the present work a clear, uncluttered quality, and his efforts to provide variety of tone and pace in the recitation of the phone book-like list are especially commendable. D.J. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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This book explains why we need to make some very specific educational changes in order to achieve a higher level of national literacy. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index
This book explains why we need to make some very specific educational changes in order to achieve a higher level of national literacy. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
Format:Paperback
As other reviewers have noted, there is something shaky (and a little shady) about E.D. Hirsch's argument and intention for compiling this book. And there's something a bit presumptuous about the subtitle. But to be honest, I could care less. The real value of "Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know" is as a resource for people who want to know what exactly others mean when they use expressions or make cultural references.
It is irrelevant WHY some people don't know these references. Maybe because they're young (although I don't believe it's a generational issue). And the PC will scream and whine that the book doesn't have enough entries about lesser known cultures. The fact is that writers, journalists, politicians, religious leaders, et al., make these references when they are trying to illustrate a point. This book, for whatever its intention, gives the reader/listener a place to turn. And that's enough of a reason. And on that level, "Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know" works just fine!
By LMS
Format:Paperback
I had to take the State Department's Foreign Service exam, and I found this book to be highly valuable for summarizing American buzzwords and literary allusions. If you're looking for an all-inclusive book that celebrates American diversity, perhaps look somewhere else. This is a cheat-sheet to literary allusions, so that when highly educated people talk or write you have some clue what they're referring to, whether you've read the same books as them or not.
By JOHN GODFREY
Format:Audio Cassette
be a crushing bore if you follow Mr. Hirsch's path to cultural literacy. By his criteria we're all pretty cultural illiterate & the next generation still in school even more so.
So what?
We can accomplish much of what he wants through better schools & a well rounded, rigorous education for all students. Adding courses on cultural literacy is not going to happen nor is it necessary given the pinch in $$$ & time these days in most school systems.
Being culturally literate is fine, but it gives you no pratical skills or training except perhaps to make you more charming. However, Mr. Hirsch doesn't sound particularly charming.
The very arbitrariness of what constitutes cultural literacy according to Mr. Hirsch & his experts is flawed & quite off putting. He does not seem to acknowledge that cultural literacy constantly changes which makes a book like this obsolete before itis published. Subjects could be added & subtracted weekly. It should not merely be a list of historic factoids. When he decided to recite cultural words from a to z, I tuned out. For several cassettes & hours he droned on. I quit this audio version before he got to b.
So what?
We can accomplish much of what he wants through better schools & a well rounded, rigorous education for all students. Adding courses on cultural literacy is not going to happen nor is it necessary given the pinch in $$$ & time these days in most school systems.
Being culturally literate is fine, but it gives you no pratical skills or training except perhaps to make you more charming. However, Mr. Hirsch doesn't sound particularly charming.
The very arbitrariness of what constitutes cultural literacy according to Mr. Hirsch & his experts is flawed & quite off putting. He does not seem to acknowledge that cultural literacy constantly changes which makes a book like this obsolete before itis published. Subjects could be added & subtracted weekly. It should not merely be a list of historic factoids. When he decided to recite cultural words from a to z, I tuned out. For several cassettes & hours he droned on. I quit this audio version before he got to b.
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3.8 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
You may become the life of the party. More likely you'll
be a crushing bore if you follow Mr. Hirsch's path to cultural literacy. By his criteria we're all pretty cultural illiterate & the next generation still in school even more... Read more
Published on Nov 6 2003 by JOHN GODFREY
4.0 out of 5 stars
Thought Provoking
People who are culturally illiterate are at a disadvantage in that they are deprived of fully participating in the society exchange of ideas. Read more
Published on Sep 20 2003 by Dr. W. G. Covington, Jr.
2.0 out of 5 stars
Warning: Deceptive title
Eek! I thought this book would include "What Every American Needs to Know," since that's the subtitle. Read more
Published on Aug 21 2003 by Tevis Fen-Kortiay
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Need For Literacy
This book specifies about the need for reading. Many Americans do not read at an everyday basis. Hirsch believes that illiteracy is a dilemma in the United States. Read more
Published on Jan 8 2003 by Melanie
2.0 out of 5 stars
Don't Waste Your Time
We all complained that our educational system is lacking, that our children do not have the knowledge they should have, but rarely do we ask "why"? E.D Hirsch, Jr. Read more
Published on Dec 8 2002 by Thao Tran
4.0 out of 5 stars
Desperately in Need of Cultural Literacy
In this book there is one main theory that the author tries to get across to his readers, that is the importance of being culturally literate, and the fact that today's children... Read more
Published on Dec 3 2002 by Jennifer Neff
4.0 out of 5 stars
EuroCentric Cultural Literacy
Hirsch is a European American who's book Cultural Literacy,is a comprehensive discussion about what European American Cultural Literacy should consist of. Read more
Published on Nov 7 2002 by Aunk
5.0 out of 5 stars
The critics miss the point.
An excellent book. And, the critics of this book miss the point. You are reading this review because you have developed the skill to recognize the meaning of words printed on the... Read more
Published on Sep 29 2002 by Sunny Miami
5.0 out of 5 stars
The critics miss the point.
An excellent book. And, the critics of this book miss the point. You are reading this review because you have developed the skill to recognize the meaning of words printed on the... Read more
Published on Sep 29 2002 by Sunny Miami
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another threat to America -- the cultural illiterate
Put this on your To-Read-No-Matter-What list.
Hasn't the popularity of "Dummies" books raised a red flag anywhere? Read more
Published on July 13 2002 by R. Tiedemann
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