Defining a Nation: Our America and the Sources of Its Strength - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0792261445 ISBN 13: 9780792261445

Publisher: National Geographic, 2003

Synopsis

"The freer we are … the stronger we are," writes David Halberstam in this probing compilation of original essays which distill the essence of America, an evergreen subject rendered even more timely by recent world events that highlight cultural clashes and prompt us not just to reconsider foreign attitudes and aspirations but to think anew about our own.

Each chapter explores fundamental qualities, concepts and accomplishments that shape the American character: the sheer size of our country; the legendary events of our history; the heroes, villains, and icons of our national mythology; our enduring dream of a meritocratic society; and the unmistakable spirit that defines us both to ourselves and the rest of the world. Halberstam's keen observations introduce richly varied contributions by distinguished and eloquent commentators like Russell Baker, Ben Bradlee, James Fallows, Cynthia Gorney, Vartan Gregorian, and Janet Maslin, among others, who consider everything from Manifest Destiny to the McCarthy hearings and from Paul Revere's midnight gallop to John Wayne's classic cowboy riding tall through the American Century. Inspiring, enlightening, and enhanced by more than 300 photographs and illustrations, this wide-ranging collection provides thought-provoking, often surprising insights into how today's America took shape, who we are as a nation now, and where our country is headed.

About this title

About the Author

David Halberstam won the Pulitzer Prize for his New York Times dispatches from Saigon during the Vietnam War. The author of more than a dozen bestselling books on topics as varied as the automobile industry, baseball, and the 1950's, Halberstam is a member of the Society of American Historians and appears frequently on Charlie Rose and Face the Nation.

Reviews

Bestselling author and Pulitzer winner Halberstam brings together a powerhouse list of journalists and scholars to consider why America, "for all its flaws, for all the things I dissent from, remains so powerful a beacon to so many of the less favored of the world." Thirty-six writers consider a range of issues in American history and culture, from foreign policy to education, technology, and even cuisine. Anthony Lewis examines our open society and the role of the courts in maintaining our freedoms. Harold Moore (We Were Soldiers Once...and Young) extols the citizen-soldier and the remarkable courage he has seen such soldiers exhibit. Anna Quindlen discusses Margaret Sanger, the woman who put family planning on the national agenda, as a central figure in 20th century feminism. With 300 black-and-white and color illustrations, this beautiful volume makes a wonderful gift for patriots of all stripes-even those, like Halberstam, who often label themselves dissenters.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: National Geographic
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0792261445
• ISBN 13: 9780792261445
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 304
• Editor: Halberstam David