The American Dream is one of the most familiar and resonant phrases in our national lexicon; so familiar that we seldom pause to ask its origin; its history; or what it actually means. In this fascinating short history; Jim Cullen explores the meaning of the American Dream; or rather the several American Dreams that have both reflected and shaped American identity from the Pilgrims to the present. Cullen notes that the United States; unlike most other nations; defines itself not on the facts of blood; religion; language; geography; or shared history; but on a set of ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence and consolidated in the Constitution. At the core of these ideals lies the ambiguous concept of the American Dream; a concept that for better and worse has proven to be amazingly elastic and durable for hundreds of years and across racial; class; and other demographic lines. The version of the American Dream that dominates our own time--what Cullen calls "the Dream of the Coast"--is one of personal fulfillment; of fame and fortune all the more alluring if achieved without obvious effort; which finds its most insidious expression in the culture of Hollywood.
#408667 in Books 2003-11-06Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 2.00 x 11.20l; 4.70 #File Name: 0195159012800 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great bookBy KGAn excellent and well-written book covering the Civil War era. Great illustrations; too. I'm impressed that Mr. McPherson wrote all the captions for the illustrations. I keep hoping it will be reprinted with new material for the 150th anniversary.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. One of the bestBy DisssatisfiedExcellent both as a great read and a reference book.I could not put it down because I could not lift it.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Civil War Grand SlamBy Flying ScotEighty. Two. Big ones. 82? Yes; 82 dolores.I have this book. Bought it a few years ago at a local book shop; mint; $45. I see it's appreciated nicely since then.The book is good; and I rate it four stars; but that's only for the book; not the price. It has many fine pictures and some unique maps. McPherson knows his stuff; but you won't get much on battles and strategy.My advice - put that precious 82 toward four much more interesting writers: the magnificent Bruce Catton (largely ignored today because some of his 1950s terminology is; let us say; not up to current politically appropriate specifications; but he writes so wonderfully I don't think your sensibilities will mind); Douglas Southall Freeman (Lee; Lee's Lieutenants); Fletcher Pratt; whose surging narrative will carry you along like a tidal wave; and Shelby Foote (The Stars in Their Courses).You can't do better than these four; and your 82 dollars will go further.
