The American Revelation: Ten Ideals That Shaped Our Country from the Puritans to the Cold War

By Neil Baldwin

Book Overview

In "The American Revelation," Neil Baldwin, one of our most exciting and provocative intellectual historians, applies his formidable energies to the story of how the American Spirit developed over four centuries, through an inspiring--and unsparing--examination of selected ideals that have helped inform our culture through the vivid personalities who set the course. Figures both familiar and forgotten illuminate this timely narrative of popular history that enlivens the current debate about America's proper role in a turbulent post-9/11 world. Though an ideal may have been forgotten, that does not mean it no longer has the power to move us and shape our future. Exuberant and lively, "The American" "Revelation" will inspire all readers, regardless of their politics, to revisit and revalue our country's high-minded heritage.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312325436
• ISBN13: 9780312325435
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.4" x 9.8"

Customer Reviews

ten interesting biographical essays

The premise of these ten biographical essays is to concentrate on individuals who brought "fundamental Americanism", values at a time in which our leaders prefer polarizing the people to consolidate power via the money mechanism needed for reelections. Readers may disagree on the choices (no presidents), which is part of the fun of this tome. For instance, this reviewer expected Lincoln as the influence of changing from...

Ideals developed by some minor historical figures

This book is a collection of ten short biographies of people who had an enormous influence in the growth and development of the United States. Each person was significant in the creation and implementation of a major ideal of the American nation. They are in order: *) City On a Hill - John Winthrop, 1630. John Winthrop was the Governor of the Massachusetts colony established by the Puritans and the ideal was that of establishing...

A Thought-Provoking Narrative

Americans love political discussion and debate. From colonial days when pamphlets and town meetings were the mechanism of discourse, to modern times when talk radio and political blogs stimulate discussion of important public issues, robust political debate is a crucial element of American life. For many, an important element of current debate centers on the historical perspective. From documents and speeches such as The Federalist...