A Time of Paradox: America from the Cold War to the Third Millennium, 1945-Present
A Time of Paradoxhas its strength not only in its excellent scholarship but in presenting both sides of the many conflicting issues besetting our American democracy since 1945. (Robert M. Spector)Glen Jeansonne has captured the trauma, tragedy, and excitement of the . . . American experience in a clear and balanced style. He has written an important book that will be a major asset in any U.S. history course. (Patrick W. Steele)A majestic narrative . . . crafted by a superb historian at the peak of his career. Written with equal parts passion, wit, and humility, this book will engage and delight all students of American History. (Kari Frederickson)A Time of Paradoxis a colorful and engaging account of the post-World War II years.  With its lively prose and thematic focus, it reads as much like a reflective essay as a traditional textbook treatment of the period.  Glen Jeansonne does a creative job of crafting a topical organization within a rough chronological framework as he points to the contradictions in postwar American society.  Vivid profiles of such figures as Jackie Robinson, Janis Joplin, and Madonna enliven his account and give a sense of the cultural rifts complementing political issues. (Allan M. Winkler)