The subtitle is "The Shaping of Modern America, 1877 to 1920." What a magnificent popular history! This book covers most of the period of American history of my greatest interest. I would add only 1865 to 1877.
The book presents a stunning progressive interpretive analysis of the social, intellectual, and political history of the country during this time period. According the author, ideas of regeneration or reform dominated the era. The imperialism of the US took central stage. We think of Cuba and the Philippines.
Snappily written, the prose is a sheer delight. Scholarship is combined with uplifting prose.
The book is a history of "The Gilded Age," a defining age in American history. It was a time of sharp class conflict (and I interpret American history from a conflict perspective), profound change, and soaring American imperialism.
Cornel West says:
"Jackson Lears is one of the preemeinent historians of our time. This book on the making of Modern America could not be more timely. Don't miss it!"
This is the best history book I have read in a long time.
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