| When America Was Great: The Fighting Faith of Liberalism in Post-War America Contributor(s): Mattson, Kevin (Author) |
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ISBN: 0415947758 ISBN-13: 9780415947756 Publisher: Routledge OUR PRICE: $161.50 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: October 2004 Annotation: In the midst of Eisenhower's America, at the peak of the Cold War, a movement of public intellectuals defined a pragmatic liberal vision for America that is more relevant today than ever before. A sweeping intellectual history that will make us rethink postwar politics and culture, "When America Was Great "profiles the thinkers and writers who crafted a new American liberal tradition in a conservative era -- from historians Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., and C. Vann Woodward, to economist John Kenneth Galbraith and theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. A compelling tale that will redefine the word "liberal" for a new generation, Mattson retraces the intellectual journey of these towering figures. They served in the Second World War. They opposed communism but also wanted to make America's poor visible to the affluent society. Contrary to those who characterize liberals as nai ve or sentimental "bleeding hearts," they had a tough-minded and nuanced vision that stressed both human limitations and hope. They felt America should stand for something more than just a strong economy. "When America Was" "Great" envisions a bright liberal future for America grounded in the best of our past. A past that is in danger of being forgotten, but one that we would do well to remember and learn from. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Political Science | Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism - History | United States - 20th Century - Political Science | History & Theory - General |
| Dewey: 320.513 |
| LCCN: 2004006006 |
| Physical Information: 0.85" H x 6.42" W x 9.28" (1.19 lbs) 256 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: A sweeping intellectual history that will make us rethink postwar politics and culture, When America Was Great profiles the thinkers and writers who crafted a new American liberal tradition in a conservative era -- from historians Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., and C. Vann Woodward, to economist John Kenneth Galbraith and theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. A compelling tale that will redefine the word "liberal" for a new generation, Mattson retraces the intellectual journey of these towering figures. They served in the Second World War. They opposed communism but also wanted to make America's poor visible to the affluent society. Contrary to those who characterize liberals as na ve or sentimental "bleeding hearts," they had a tough-minded and nuanced vision that stressed both human limitations and hope. They felt America should stand for something more than just a strong economy. |