When America Was Great: The Fighting Faith of Liberalism in Post-War America (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780415947756)

A sweeping intellectual history that will make us rethink postwar politics and culture, When America Was Greatprofiles 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 naïve 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.

Author: Kevin Mattson
ISBN-10: 0415947758
ISBN-13: 9780415947756
Publisher: Routledge
Language: English
Published: 10/04/2004
Pages: 242
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.19lbs
Size: 9.28h x 6.42w x 0.85d

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 08/15/2004 pg. 793
Library Journal 11/15/2004 pg. 75
New York Times 03/06/2005 pg. 15