The Myth of American ExceptionalismYale University Press, 2009 - 221 pages This first biography of a Palestinian writer also provides a moving account of the ways "ordinary" individuals are swept up by the floodtides of both war and peace Tracing the development of America's high self regard from the early days of the republic to the present era, Hodgson demonstrates how its exceptionalism has been systematically exaggerated and--in recent decades--corrupted. While there have been distinct and original elements in America's history and political philosophy, notes Hodgson, these have always been more heavily influenced by European thought and experience than Americans have been willing to acknowledge. A stimulating and timely assessment of how America's belief in its exceptionalism has led it astray, this book is mandatory reading for its citizens, admirers, and detractors. |