This American historian and social critic was renowned for his exploration of liberalism within American political leadership. His work focused on the lives and political philosophies of pivotal figures, dissecting the nuances of their thought and impact. Through his analytical lens, he illuminated the dynamics and evolution of the American political landscape. His literary legacy lies in his profound understanding of political ideologies and their historical manifestation.
A Syllabus of United States History provides a comprehensive overview of American history. Schlesinger and Hockett's work is an essential resource for anyone studying or teaching American history. This detailed and thought-provoking syllabus covers everything from the country's founding to modern day America. It is an indispensable guide for those interested in deepening their understanding of the United States' past.
Focusing on the contrasting presidential campaigns of John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon, American historian Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. analyzes how these differences reflect broader societal trends and implications for the nation's future. Through this exploration, he critiques the clichés surrounding political campaigns, offering insights into how each candidate's approach shaped public perception and the political landscape of America.
Arthur M. Schlesinger, a prominent American historian, emphasized the dynamic nature of history, asserting that "nothing stands still." His approach advocates for a liberal and flexible mindset for both historians and citizens, reflecting his belief in the importance of adaptability in understanding historical events and their implications. Schlesinger's insights remain influential in shaping contemporary historical discourse and the role of historians in society.
Published in 1880, "Democracy" is a classic American political novel centered on Madeleine Lee, a young widow in Washington, D.C., seeking to grasp the nature of power. As she encounters Silas Ratcliffe, a powerful senator, she witnesses the corrupting effects of power firsthand.
The book is a facsimile reprint of a scarce antiquarian work, preserving its historical significance despite potential imperfections like marks and flawed pages. It aims to protect and promote important literature by providing an affordable, high-quality modern edition that remains true to the original.
American Liberalism in the 1960s
Focusing on the political landscape of 1960s America, this collection features two significant works by historian Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. In "The Politics of Hope," Schlesinger articulates the liberal ideals of the Kennedy administration through engaging essays that explore the contrasts between liberalism and conservatism, the nature of historical writing, and insights into Communist regimes. He underscores the importance of prioritizing goals over rigid doctrines, advocating for a forward-looking approach rooted in historical lessons.
"Historical reflections that deftly challenge the political and ideological foundations of President Bush's foreign policy."--Charles A. Kupchan, New York Times In a book that brings a magisterial command of history to the most urgent of contemporary questions, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., explores the war in Iraq, the presidency, and the future of democracy. Describing unilateralism as "the oldest doctrine in American history," Schlesinger nevertheless warns of the dangers posed by the fatal turn in U.S. policy from deterrence and containment to preventive war. He writes powerfully about George W. Bush's expansion of presidential power, reminding us nevertheless of our country's distinguished legacy of patriotism through dissent in wartime. And in a new chapter written especially for the paperback edition, he examines the historical role of religion in American politics as a background for an assessment of Bush's faith-based presidency.
Portraying the United States from the Great War to the Great Depression, The Crisis of the Old Order covers the Jazz Age and the rise and fall of the cult of business. For a season, prosperity seemed permanent, but the illusion came to an end when Wall Street crashed in October 1929. Public trust in the wisdom of business leadership crashed too. With a dramatist's eye for vivid detail and a scholar's respect for accuracy, Schlesinger brings to life the era that gave rise to FDR and his New Deal and changed the public face of the United States forever.