Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know
Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know is E. D. Hirsch, Jr.’s argument that shared background knowledge helps people understand writing and discussion. The listing describes a 272-page English-language book presenting 5,000 facts, with an emphasis on American cultural knowledge and education.
At a glance
- Presents cultural literacy as background knowledge needed to understand what writers and speakers take for granted.
- The listing says the book presents 5,000 facts and describes its focus as American cultural knowledge.
- Frames the subject as an education debate, making it relevant to parents and teachers considering shared knowledge in learning.
Reference price: $36.99
Price checked: 14 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Its focus on assumed background knowledge gives parents and educators a specific lens for discussing reading and instruction.
- Customer feedback describes the book as informative and educational, including interest from homeschooling readers.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | KNOPF US |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 18 May 1990 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 272 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0394758439 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0394758435 |
| Dimensions | 13.34 x 1.78 x 20.19 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 1.05 kg |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Parents and teachers interested in the book’s argument about shared knowledge in education.
- Readers seeking a historical discussion of American cultural literacy and schooling.
- Homeschooling readers looking for a book that customers have described as helpful in that context.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a current Australian curriculum guide or a neutral, comprehensive reference book. The listing presents an argument about American education and cultural knowledge.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
71% 71% - 4 stars
15% 15% - 3 stars
7% 7% - 2 stars
4% 4% - 1 star
3% 3%
Customer feedback highlights the book as educational, informative and well researched, with parents and teachers described as key readers and a homeschooling use also mentioned. This aligns with the listing’s education-focused argument, though buyers should note its American context. Ratings are mostly positive, but they do not establish that every reader will agree with the book’s approach.
Positive themes
- Customer feedback describes the content as educational and informative.
- The feedback summary notes interest from parents and teachers, as well as a homeschooling reader.
Frequently asked questions
What is this book about?
The listing describes E. D. Hirsch, Jr.’s argument that people need shared background knowledge to understand common references in writing and speech, with an emphasis on education in the United States.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 272 pages.
Is it specifically about Australian education?
No. The title and listing description focus on American cultural literacy and education, so readers wanting Australian curriculum guidance may need another resource.
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