by John MacCormac ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 12, 1942
I've watched MacCormac with considerable interest, and with a feeling that he seems just to miss the punch that would put his books over. Canada: America's Problem, was unfortunately, and somewhat misleadingly titled, though it was an important book; America and World Mastery (again a poor title) was an excellent analysis of Anglo-Canadian-U.S.A. relations, but not easy reading. But now in this new book, This Time for Keeps, his passion for the right, his anger at apathy, indifference, stupidity, blindness, his determination that this time the war shall not be fought in vain, has carried his book through on a high note of challenge. This is the best book I have read to put into the hands of our soldiers and sailors everywhere, to give them a deepened sense of what they are fighting to uphold, to make them feel that democracy is not a failure, but is still in the making -- in their making. There is enough of informational background, history, a record of trial and error, of cause and effect, to prove how different this war is from the last. At times MacCormac may be accused of being hysterical -- but I think we need a little of this to drive home the ugly truths. Here are the facts and their interpretation to lay the ghost of isolationism, to plant the seeds for constructive planning for a new post-war world. (Though this is not a blueprint for such a world, but simply a foundation builder). Here is a background for better understanding and appreciation of our allies, to forestall the tendency on the part of Americans to lay claim to credit for things we could not have done had not Britain and Russia and China performed miracles. Here is a book to help towards better reading between the lines of our newspapers. Here is the story of enemy atrocities- and their roots, the ideas behind the thinking of the Axis powers, the strategy of the Axis and its results in strengthening the forces against us. Here are the answers to the cynics; they are the answers of an idealist who is at the same time a realist, a man who believes in the Four Freedoms, but is well aware that we have them often only in theory, and that after the war we must have them in fact, and that now is not too soon to begin. In conclusion he pleads for ""dynamic democracy, not less democracy, but more, a democracy that works internationally and insures material plenty without sacrificing political freedom...which offers security with freedom"". He makes clear why we need to know what sort of peace we are fighting for -- he gives the answer to those who ask that we stick to the job at hand and finish it -- first. He points out the trends, warns of the pitfalls, analyzes briefly the suggestions already launched, the implementation of Lease-Lend as a proving ground for a carrier belt for world trade. It is a book for everyone, first, perhaps, for the men in the service, to hearten them and build morale; second for the men and women at home. It won't sell itself. Put your shoulder behind it -- for here is a book worth the effort. Do this as part of your contribution towards making democracy safe for the world.
Pub Date: Feb. 12, 1942
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: N/A
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1942
Categories: NONFICTION
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