Spirited Americans: A Commentary on America's Optimists-From the Puritans to the Cybr-Century - Hardcover

A. E. Jeffcoat

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0967202205 ISBN 13: 9780967202204

Publisher: Winslow House Books, 2000

Synopsis

Examines the heritage of optimism in American history, discussing the character traits that have contributed to the nation's optimistic spirit

About this title

From the Back Cover

"A stirring, informative account of our nation's history. The widespread, presently fashionable focus on our society's problems and shortcomings, and on the failings of our forebears, are deflated by the author's refreshing survey of the optimistic spirit that has animated America's past...Like the skilled journalist he was earlier in his career, Jeffcoat distills the words and works of scholars and statesmen, literary figures and social commentators into a compact, highly readable history that will reintroduce Americans from all walks of life to their remarkable but nowadays often neglected heritage-a heritage that continues to offer inspiration and hope for the years to come." (Warren H. Phillips, former publisher and executive editor of The Wall Street Journal.)

"At a time of continuing moral and political malaise in America it is good to see this fresh approach to our history, as spirited in substance as it is in its title. Jeffcoat offers discriminating hope for America, solidly based on the great leaders and the great achievements of the past-and he renews our hope for the future. This is a literary and historical achievement as we enter the new century." (James MacGregor Burns, Pulitzer Prize presidential biographer, Woodrow Wilson Professor of Government, Emeritus, Williams College.)

"With Spirited Americans, A.E. Jeffcoat combines a broad knowledge of American history with a keen understanding of the unique character traits-courage, determination, optimism and religious faith-that have inspired the American people to create and sustain a country without peer in the history of the world. This positive and inspirational story needs to be heard more often. With this book, A.E. Jeffcoat has performed a most important service. The book deserves a wide readership." (William E. Simon, former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, president, John M. Olin Foundation, Inc.)

"A much needed celebration of the elements that have made this country such a wonderful place. A multitude of readers will welcome it as I do, and love it as much as I did." (Michael Coles, history scholar, former top investment house executive.)

"An armor-piercing antidote for cynicism and anomie." (John Davis Bradley, social philosopher and fundraising consultant.)

"By helping us understand the American character, it should hold special appeal for Europeans, who tend to view the U.S. with a mixture of admiration and trepidation." (Jacques Griffault, chief executive, French bookseller Le Scribe, previously international banker.)

About the Author

A.E. Jeffcoat turned to full-time writing in the Northwest after a career as foreign correspondent, corporate executive and communications counselor. He became a foreign correspondent for The Wall Street Journal while in his twenties, based in London and then as bureau chief in Paris, writing front-page feature articles and editorial page features on European political and social issues.

He later held executive positions at IBM and Ford Motor Company, and was president of his own firm, Jeffcoat Schoen & Morrell, counseling major corporations and nonprofit organizations including the New York City bar association, the Carnegie Corporation and its commissions, the Council on Foreign Relations and the Japan Society. He is honorary founder chairman of a nonprofit performing arts organization, The Manhattan theater Club, internationally recognized as a leading center for development of new work in the theater and producer of a Pulitzer-Prize drama and many other productions that went on to Broadway and motion pictures.

He graduated from Williams College with a degree in American History and Literature and received his graduate degree from the University of Michigan.

He spent six years researching and writing Spirited Americans, and he is presently at work on a new book that develops the most important themes of that book in a philosophical orientation.

Edition details

• Publisher: Winslow House Books
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0967202205
• ISBN 13: 9780967202204
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 360