Thanksgiving

This concise history unpacks the complex evolution of Thanksgiving, tracing its journey from a 1621 harvest celebration to the modern, family-centered holiday we recognize today. Baker meticulously separates historical fact from enduring national myth, exploring how the event was sporadically observed for centuries before being championed as a tool for national unity. The narrative compellingly details the pivotal roles of figures like Sarah Josepha Hale and the official national proclamation during the Civil War that cemented its place on the calendar.

What sets this account apart is its honest examination of the holiday's contested meanings, including the often-overlooked Native American perspective on this quintessentially American tradition. Readers seeking a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the holiday's backstory will find this an illuminating and essential read. Baker successfully demonstrates that Thanksgiving's true history is far more dynamic and revealing than the simplified story taught in grade school.