Contesting Democracy: Substance and Structure in American Political History, 1775-2000 (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780700611393)

In this defining statement about the state of the discipline, a "who's who" of prominent scholars addresses and critiques the entire sweep of American political history. Exemplifying the revitalizing power of the "new political history" and its renewed emphasis on large "P" politics, these writers have combined to produce an illuminating synthesis of the most recent work in the field.

Focusing upon both the major policy issues in the politics of each period (substance) and the major social forces shaping politics (structure), these essays chronicle and evaluate the evolution of American politics and society over two and a quarter centuries. In the process, they reflect their authors' strong collective commitment to a dynamic field of intellectual inquiry, while simultaneously highlighting key interpretive disputes within it.

An outstanding summary of current and recent thinking in the field, this book should become an essential volume for scholars and teachers in both history and the social sciences.

Author: Byron E. Shafer
ISBN-10: 0700611398
ISBN-13: 9780700611393
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Language: English
Published: 09/28/2001
Pages: 284
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.03lbs
Size: 9.26h x 6.20w x 0.76d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 04/01/2002 pg. 1481