Description
Book SynopsisThe Rise and Fall of Modern American Conservatism tells the gripping story of perhaps the most significant political force of our time through the lives and careers of six leading figures at the heart of the movement. David Farber traces the history of modern conservatism from its revolt against New Deal liberalism, to its breathtaking resurgence u
Trade ReviewOne of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2010 "David Farber's new book ... provides the kind of perspective that headline historians often miss. If readers can withstand their title shock, they will find much to admire in this engaging and accessible overview of the most influential movement in American politics during the past half-century."--Steven P. Miller, St. Louis Post-Dispatch "An excellent start for anyone wanting to understand U.S. conservatism."--Choice "Calling historians to go beyond synthesis to integration, Farber's book is an important step in this direction."--Jennifer Burns, Journal of American History "Unlike other staid syntheses of conservatism, Farber's draws out the quirky as well as the profound, the passion as well as the calculation of this movement, and always with a playful edge. It is, as a result, a scintillating read... [A] vital, new interpretation of a pivotal movement and era in American history."--Darren Dochuk, Pacific Historical Review "There are several important and interesting arguments that Farber makes along this narrative and one inspired choice of subject matter--Phyllis Schlafly--that have much to commend."--James Gilbert, H-Soz-u-Kult
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations vii Acknowledgments ix introduction 1 Chapter 0ne: Robert Taft: The Gray Men of Modern Conservatism and the Rights of Property 9 Chapter Two: William Buckley: Building the Conservative Political Culture 39 Chapter Three: Barry Goldwater: Cowboy Conservatism, Race Politics, and the Other Sixties 77 Chapter Four: Phyllis Schlafly: Domestic Conservatism and Social Order 119 Chapter Five: Ronald Reagan: The Conservative Hero 159 Chapter Six: George W. Bush: The Conservative Calling and the Great Crack-up 209 Conclusion 257 Notes 263 Index 285
