Liberalism and Its Challengers: From F.D.R. to Bush

by Alonzo L. Hamby

Knowledge is fast becoming one of the main sources of wealth, yet it can also become a source of inequalities. The New Knowledge Economy in Europe attempts to determine whether it is possible to hasten the transition towards a knowledge-based economy and enhance competitiveness with increased employment and improved social cohesion across Europe.

Genres: History, Politics, Nonfiction, American History

431 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a huge fan of political history, but I like the approach taken Here. Hamby effectively links biography, history, and politics in a chronological series of character studies. The early lives and political initiations of (mostly) presidents are shown to indelibly shape their feelings toward, and political wrangling with the welfare state legacy of FDR. Hamby's personal judgements often come through, but overall his assessments are fair. It's not a complete political history of the US in the 20th century, but it's a very good start. Students of the era would be wise to pick this up.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classis exploration of how the liberal consensus of the middle 20th Century collapsed upon itself. Anyone wishing to understand the rise of the Republican party in the 60s and 70s - which bore fruit with Reagan in 1980 - should read this book.

[Cade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent overview of presidential leadership and what made them who they are, with the exception of the chapter on Reagan. I don't think Hamby had sufficient historical distance on that one, and it comes off an effusively praising and too gentle on Reagan's role in the Iran-Contra Affair.

[Aisha Manus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extremely bias as points but I learned a lot about presidents I knew little about.

[Sophia Martin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hamby conveniently overlooks every controversial decision made by each of the presidents he profiles. No mention here of Executive Order 9066. Nothing about Truman's decision to drop the A-bombs. I mean, *nothing*. How is that possible? I cannot imagine how anyone could study any aspect of American political history in the 20th century without at least mentioning that decision.

[Erik Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting, sober text that provides great context and biographies of our presidents from FDR to Bush. I felt the chapters on FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, and Reagan were particular standouts.

[Frederick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative book. I hadn't looked at Reagan or Carter in quite the way Hamby does. This is worth reading if you are student of American Political History.