Red Dead’s History: A Video Game, an Obsession, and America’s Violent Past

What better way to learn history than by playing a video game? This is the question that led to the creation of a class, and then this book by historian Olsson (Univ. of Tennessee; Agrarian Crossings: Reformers and the Remaking of the US and Mexican Countryside). He provides an intricate and interesting way of looking at history, comparing the fictional past of the Red Dead games to what happened in American history. This unique lens provides a look at the depth of the game and its creators, while also allowing listeners to learn information about the American past that otherwise would have never been taught in a class or a generalized history book. The book is mostly narrated by Roger Clark, known to gamers as the voice of Arthur Morgan from Red Dead Redemption 2, and his gritty voice is perfect for the violent, dark, and turbulent tales of United States history. Olsson provides some insight into the creation of this class/book by opening and closing the presentation.