The Rise and Fall of the American Century: The United States from 1890-2009
"Without question Chafe is a master narrative historian able to weave together multiple histories into one compelling drama of struggle--of competing ideas, values, and visions of what made the American century 'American.' Chafe knows how to write history as drama in the best sense of that word. I couldn't put it down. Students will not find this kind of writing on Wikipedia."-Neil Foley,University of Texas,and author ofThe White Scourge"The Rise and Fall of the American Centuryis an excellent work that touches upon practically all of the major themes and issues of twentieth-century American history with authorial conviction. Perhaps its greatest strength is the author's ability to humanize presidents, the presidency, and presidential politics. The writing is beyond impressive and will capture and hold the attention of college students."--Hasan Kwame Jeffries,The Ohio State University"In this unflinching examination of the United States over the last century, one of the nation's foremost historians traces the nation's rise to power and its disastrous recent decline. William H. Chafe illuminates the national story with keen insight, elegant prose, and powerful analysis."--Elaine Tyler May, author ofHomeward Bound: American Families in the Cold War Era"One of this country's most distinguished historians, Bill Chafe is at the top of his game as he examines the complexities and paradoxes of American life in this remarkable book."--John Dittmer, author ofLocal People: The Struggle for Civil Rights in Mississippi