"The freer we are … the stronger we are," writes David Halberstam in this probing compilation of original essays which distill the essence of America, an evergreen subject rendered even more timely by recent world events that highlight cultural clashes and prompt us not just to reconsider foreign attitudes and aspirations but to think anew about our own.Each chapter explores fundamental qualities, concepts and accomplishments that shape the American the sheer size of our country; the legendary events of our history; the heroes, villains, and icons of our national mythology; our enduring dream of a meritocratic society; and the unmistakable spirit that defines us both to ourselves and the rest of the world. Halberstam's keen observations introduce richly varied contributions by distinguished and eloquent commentators like Russell Baker, Ben Bradlee, James Fallows, Cynthia Gorney, Vartan Gregorian, and Janet Maslin, among others, who consider everything from Manifest Destiny to the McCarthy hearings and from Paul Revere's midnight gallop to John Wayne's classic cowboy riding tall through the American Century. Inspiring, enlightening, and enhanced by more than 300 photographs and illustrations, this wide-ranging collection provides thought-provoking, often surprising insights into how today's America took shape, who we are as a nation now, and where our country is headed.From the Trade Paperback edition.
William F. Buckley, Jr. Book order (chronological)
William F. Buckley, Jr. was a pivotal figure in American conservatism, founding the political magazine National Review and hosting the television program Firing Line. His writing style was renowned for its erudition, wit, and distinctive use of uncommon vocabulary. Buckley's primary intellectual achievement was synthesizing traditional American conservatism with economic libertarianism and anti-communism, shaping the modern conservative movement. Beyond his extensive commentary and essays, he also penned a series of novels featuring the CIA agent Blackford Oakes.
Kennwort Marco Polo Roman
- 286 pages
- 11 hours of reading
When a shadowy Russian mole threatens to undermine the Free Worlds defenses by infiltrating President Eisenhowers National Security Counsel, CIA super-secret agent Blackford Oakes is called in to unmask the imposter.
CIA superagent Blackford Oates is back, and he's headed straight for the bestseller lists--by way of a dangerous mission to the Gulf of Tonkin. Faced with a deteriorating situation in Vietnam, the President dispatches Oakes and a swashbuckling soldier of fortune named Tucker on secret missions to find ways to increase U.S. military intervention in Southeast Asia.
See You Later Alligator
- 350 pages
- 13 hours of reading
President Kennedy has selected CIA super-secret agent Blackford Oakes to meet with Che Guevara inside Castros Cuba. But the Communists have a double-cross in mind, with terrifying consequences.
Amo, Amas, Amat and More
How to Use Latin to Your Own Advantage and to the Astonishment of Others
- 328 pages
- 12 hours of reading
A witty and entertaining guide to the use of Latin expressions for one's own advantage in the modern world. Illustrated.
President Truman is nearing the end of his term in office, and Great Britain has a new queen. It is 1952; the Cold War is beginning to heat up, and vital Western military secrets are falling into Soviet hands. The CIA is faced with a delicate dilemma for the source of the leaks to the KGB has been traced directly to the Queen's chambers. The situation must be resolved, but the young Queen's self-confidence and public credibility must not be damaged. Thus young Blackford Oakes - handsome, debonaire, and audacious, a recent Yale graduate and ex-combat fighter pilot - is selected to penetrate the royal circle, win the Queen's confidence, and plug the leak. The action leads to an explosive showdown in the skies over London, one that could determine the future of the West.
Reprints DOONESBURY comic strips from 1975-7.
