Red Dead's History
A Video Game, an Obsession, and America's Violent Past
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Red Dead's History
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Narrated by:
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Roger Clark
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By:
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Tore C. Olsson
About this listen
"A must-listen for fans of the beloved game."—Den of Geek
This program is read by Roger Clark, the iconic and award-winning full performance-capture actor of Red Dead Redemption 2's Arthur Morgan, who returns to the wildly dramatic and gritty world of the American frontier in this audiobook edition of Red Dead's History. It also features a prologue and epilogue read by the author.
A pathbreaking new way to examine US history, through the lens of a bestselling video game
Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption II, set in 1911 and 1899, are the most-played American history video games since The Oregon Trail. Beloved by millions, they’ve been widely acclaimed for their realism and attention to detail. But how do they fare as re-creations of history?
In this engaging audiobook, award-winning American history professor Tore Olsson takes up that question and more. Weaving the games’ plots and characters into an exploration of American violence between 1870 and 1920, Olsson shows that it was more often disputes over capitalism and race, not just poker games and bank robberies, that fueled the bloodshed of these turbulent years. As such, this era has much to teach us today. From the West to the Deep South to Appalachia, Olsson reveals the gritty and brutal world that inspired the games, but sometimes lacks context and complexity on the digital screen. Colorful, fast-paced, and dramatic, Red Dead’s History sheds light on dark corners of the American past for gamers and history buffs alike.
A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.
©2024 Tore C. Olsson (P)2024 Macmillan AudioListeners also enjoyed...
Critic reviews
"A landmark in writing about video games. Never before has a trained historian dived so deeply (and enthusiastically!) into a game's politics and milieu. From puncturing the sacred American cowboy myth to figuring out how violent, really, the West actually was, Professor Olsson effortlessly illuminates one of the greatest games ever made."—Tom Bissell, screenwriter, author of Extra Lives: Why Video Games Matter
“Like taking a college class from a brilliant, funny professor—except the professor is also a gamer.”—Daniel Immerwahr, author of How to Hide an Empire
"Millions of people have imagined the United States of 1899 through the lens of the video game, Red Dead Redemption 2. Tore Olsson explores that virtual world with the sympathetic insight of a skilled historian and devoted gamer... Immersive, unflinching, and fast-moving."—Edward Ayers, Tucker-Boatwright Professor of the Humanities and President Emeritus, University of Richmond
What listeners say about Red Dead's History
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 14-08-24
Amazing use of video games to teach history.
As a British man I'm not that knowledgeable about US History especially around the Wild West apart from what I've seen in the Red Dead Redemption games from the countless times I've played them.
This book uses Red dead redemption 2 and weaves the line between fact and fiction in a way I've never seen before. Using the story of Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) and Red Dead Redemption (2010) this book tells the story of the 1800s and shows us where Rockstar games got the feel or timing of certain events in the Old West right and wrong.
The fact that this book is also narrated by Roger Clark who does the Voice and Performance Capture for the Outlaw Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a added bonus for me.
Listening to this during my 12hr shift at work has made me eager to start a new playthrough of the games.
I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. IT'S ONE OF THE BEST AND MOST EDUCATIONAL LISTENS OF THE YEAR FOR ME.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- PaulC6230
- 14-10-24
Astounding Bit Of Work
I absolutely loved this work. I learned a lot from it, the good and bad. The lynching chapter was one of a few heartbreaking moments in the story but it showed how wild it was back then compared to today’s standards. I love the game ( In my top 3 of all time ) and I also love the character arc of the main character Arthur Morgan going from a bad outlaw to someone who finds his heart and morals. It’s also great it’s Roger Clark who also narrates this title.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Ben C.
- 12-09-24
really interesting and well read
a really interesting booking using a novel concept to explore history with the fun of a video game and really well read by Roger Clarke
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 08-08-24
Mind-blowing.
You don't need an interest in video-games to get stuck into this. It merely uses Red Dead Redemption 2 as a spine, before spiraling off into dizzying and enlightening passages about 1800s US History. I feel like I've learnt so much, and I'm already itching for a second run of it. And Roger Clarke adds cowboy-creedence to the already well researched and academically sound writing.
Amazing. One of the best books I've read/heard this year.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 11-09-24
Arthur Morgan
It’s just amazing just is no disagreeing great book best book never really been a fan of any books but this one is the goat 🤠
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Ulmus Parvifolia
- 15-09-24
Informative book for US history noobs; amazing voice
Beautiful contextualization of the themes depicted in the game, juxtaposing them to the facts from real US events. For someone without extensive knowledge of US history, the balance is just right. Roger Clark also did amazing job reading out this book - I loved his performance. Could listen for hours on end.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- SWLondonUK
- 27-09-24
Essential history of the West (and South)
Exceeded every expectation. Superbly researched and doesn't shy away from some of America's darkest history. The link to RDR is brilliantly done. And of course Arthur Morgan's voice was an inspired choice.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Jay C
- 13-12-24
Such a unique perspective with true insights
I have been a fan of the 'Western" genre and the Red Dead Redemption games especially RDR2 for a long time.
When I saw this audiobook was coming out, and being read by Roger Clark, I had to get it. I was not disappointed.
Tore C. Olsson does a fantastic job drawing you into the facts and reality of history whilst using the game as a backdrop and sounding board to challenge and dispel stereotypes and inaccuracies. The book will not only teach you about the real history but also correct some misconceptions brought about by popular films and shows etc.
Roger Clark is the perfect voice for this book and really brings the words to life. So much so, I will be listening to it again to pick up on what I no doubt missed as my mind started to wander through the world being created as Roger took us on a journey through this unique period.
My only criticism of this book is it is too short. Covering such an interesting period of history in just over 10 hours is not possible. However, this book does touch upon so many interesting areas and will make you want to learn more. Which is kind of the point.
If you are a history fan, gamer or just someone who enjoys a story, this is a great addition to your library.
Highly recommended.
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- Edd
- 12-08-24
Good for gamers and history buffs alike!
An epic account of the true history behind RDR! It has a really nice touch being narrated by Author Morgan's voice actor. 10/10
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- James Stewart
- 19-08-24
RDR2’s History IRL
What’s not to like?
A thoroughly well researched subject, which is told in such a way to keep the reader engaged and interested and - to top it all off - it’s read by none other than Arthur Morgan himself!
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