Title
The Contours of American History,New
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William Appleman Williams was one of Americas greatest critics of US imperialism. The Contours of American History, first published in 1961, reached back to seventeenthcentury British history to argue that the relationship between liberalism and empire was in effect a grand compromise, with expansion abroad containing class and race tensions at home.Williams was not the first historian to identify the United States as an imperial power, yet he was unique in linking domestic disquiet to the long history of American expansion, which he traced back to Englands Glorious Revolution. Reaching deep into thirteenth century British history to identify the motor contradictions of what eventually would become known as liberalism, Williams presents a wholly original interpretation of US history; one where the story of the United States is the story of capitalism.Coming as it did before the political explosions of the 1960s, Williamss message was a deeply heretical one, and yet the Modern Library ultimately chose Contours as one of the best 100 nonfiction books of the 20th Century. This fiftieth anniversary edition will introduce this magisterial work to a new readership, with a new introduction by Greg Grandin, one of todays leading historians of US foreign policy.
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- Q: How many pages does 'The Contours of American History' have? A: This book has five hundred thirteen pages. It provides an extensive exploration of American history from a critical perspective.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The binding type is paperback. This makes it flexible and lightweight for easy handling.
- Q: What size is 'The Contours of American History'? A: The dimensions are five point five inches in length, one point four inches in width, and eight point twenty-five inches in height. These dimensions make it a convenient size for reading and storage.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is William Appleman Williams. He is known for his critical views on U.S. imperialism and has significantly influenced American historical thought.
- Q: What is the main theme of 'The Contours of American History'? A: The main theme is the relationship between liberalism and empire in American history. It argues that U.S. expansionism has deep roots in capitalism.
- Q: Is 'The Contours of American History' suitable for students? A: Yes, it is suitable for students and general readers. The book provides a critical analysis of historical events, making it a valuable resource for understanding U.S. history.
- Q: How can I best read 'The Contours of American History'? A: You can read this book at your own pace, as it is designed for both casual and in-depth study. Consider taking notes on key themes for better comprehension.
- Q: Is there a new introduction in this edition? A: Yes, this fiftieth anniversary edition includes a new introduction by Greg Grandin. He is a prominent historian of U.S. foreign policy and provides additional context.
- Q: What should I do to keep this book in good condition? A: To maintain the book's condition, store it upright in a dry place and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Regularly check for any signs of wear.
- Q: Can I clean the pages of 'The Contours of American History'? A: No, you should not clean the pages. Instead, handle the book carefully to avoid soiling or damaging the pages.
- Q: What if I receive a damaged copy of the book? A: If you receive a damaged copy, you should contact the seller for return or exchange options. Keep the original packaging for potential returns.
- Q: Is this book considered a classic in American history literature? A: Yes, it is considered a classic and was selected as one of the best one hundred nonfiction books of the twentieth century by the Modern Library.
- Q: Who is the publisher of 'The Contours of American History'? A: The publisher is Verso Books. They are known for publishing critical and thought-provoking literature.
- Q: What makes this book unique in its analysis of American history? A: It uniquely links domestic issues to U.S. expansionism, arguing that capitalism's contradictions shape the historical narrative.
- Q: Is there any adult content in this book? A: No, there is no adult content in this book. It is suitable for a general audience interested in historical analysis.
- Q: What genre does 'The Contours of American History' fall under? A: This book falls under the genre of historical events. It critically examines significant aspects of U.S. history through an analytical lens.