Description
Book SynopsisIs the United States a nation of materialistic loners whose politics are dictated by ethnic, racial, religious, or sexual identities? This book explores the institutional structures of American society, emphasizing its ability to accommodate difference and reduce conflict.
Trade Review"As [the authors] point out, in a book that is both soothing and convincing ... the nation, at least as a community of interacting individuals, is strong and safe."--The Economist Review "A brisk, unusually lively tour through American history and habits... Is America Breaking Apart? usefully urges us to probe for Balkanizing impulses in our own souls, then pronounces us healthy."--Carlin Romano, Philadelphia Inquirer "[A] short, stimulating book... Mr. Hall's and Mr. Lindholm's overall intention is to show how the United States has held together since the Founding, why it shows every promise of continuing to do so, and what are the positive and negative aspects of that history and present state of affairs."--Colin Walters, The Washington Times "Readable and highly recommended."--Library Journal "A slim but very thoughtful volume that is well worth reading."--Kirkus Reviews "Briefly but brilliantly Hall and Lindholm marshal sociology and history to assert that there has never been a time in American history without hostilities and rifts... The prose is at once judicious and elegant. Appealing both to intellect and imagination, this work unites a clear vision of American past with expectations of future achievement. It deserves the widest possible audience."--Choice "I hope that this persuasive book will find the wide, nonacademic audience for which it is written... The authors manage the difficult task of being both brief and nuanced... The book is an important corrective to the sensationalist literature that contributes to the problems it supposedly decries."--Rhys H. Williams, Christian Century "Insightful and persuasive... The authors manage the difficult task of being both brief and nuanced."--Rhys H. Williams, Christian Century Mr. Hall's and Mr. Lindholm's overall intention is to show how the United States has held together since the Founding, why it shows every promise of continuing to do so, and what are the positive and negative aspects of that history and present state of affairs... [A] short, stimulating book."--Colin Walters, Washington Times
Table of ContentsPrefaceIntroduction3Pt. 1The growth of political stability111The state and the people152The national question313The challenge of class474The world in America, America in the world615Reprise75Pt. 2Sociability in America796Conceptual baselines837Sacred values918Anti-politics in America1099Ambivalence about association12110Ethnicity as choice, race as destiny12911Two cheers for homogeneity145Conclusion149Index155
