Why read People of Paradox?

Book cover of People of Paradox: An Inquiry Concerning the Origins of American Civilization

Book description

From the beginning, what has given our culture its distinctive texture, pattern, and thrust, according to Michael Kammen, is the dynamic interaction of the imported and the indigenous. He shows how, during the years of colonization, some ideas and institutions were transferred virtually intact from Britain, while, simultaneously, others were…

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American history

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Why read it?

1 author picked People of Paradox as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Alex Krieger

Author

For starters an absolutely brilliant book title: beautifully capturing the complexities of American culture, at once compelled by soaring social aspirations while tending to act out of pure individualism often with disdain for social impact. The narrative abounds in identifying seemingly contradictory national impulses – imported vs. Indigenous traditions, socialism vs. libertarianism, utopian vs. prosaic undertakings, the welcoming of and resisting of others – with the author arguing that through the interaction of such opposite impulses over time the particular genius of American society evolved. Kammen delights in reminding Americans of our “unstable pluralism,” and supports William James’ conclusion that…

From Alex's list on The best books on the ideals, aspirations, and unfulfilled promises in American civilization.