Book
What is America? A short history of the new world order.
Record details
- ISBN: 9780676979824
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Physical Description:
print
368 p ; 22 cm. - Publisher: Random House Canada Ltd, 2008. Toronto.
Search for related items by subject
| Subject: | United States -- History United States -- Social conditions |
Available copies
- 1 of 1 copy available at Salt Spring Island Public Library.
Holds
- 0 current holds with 1 total copy.
Show Only Available Copies
| Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Holdable? | Status | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Spring Island Public Library | 973 WRI (Text) | 33123009221608 | Non-fiction | Volume hold | Available | - |
- Booklist Reviews : Booklist Reviews 2008 September #1
In A Short History of Progress (2004), Wright theorized that progress can be a trap; technologies that permit societies to prosper lead to dependence, environmental degradation, and civilizational collapse. This notion permeates his latest book, which suggests that the distinctive qualities that enabled the U.S. to dominate the Americas and remake much of the world in its image are the very qualities that now deny the U.S. and the world a peaceful and sustainable future. Echoing his previous work in Stolen Continents: 500 Years of Conquest and Resistance in the Americas (1992) (as well as, in certain moments, Howard Zinn), Wright's narrative history emphasizes that the American experience of vast frontiers and plenitude is inextricable from its relentless pursuit of wealth and ruthless suppression of native populations. The current U.S. identity crisis thus arises not from the societally divisive events of the past decade but rather from fundamental tensions between American ideals and realities. A broad synthesis buoyed by its compact, fluid prose, this account is also noteworthy for its extensive footnotes, which document but also invite readers to delve deeper. Copyright 2008 Booklist Reviews.
