AMERICAN FATHERS AND SONS

by Bela Kornitzer ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 24, 1952

In a series of interviews with well-known fathers and sons, and, at times, with their families, the author, a political refugee since 1947 from Hungary attempts to discover the measure and influence of the American father upon his son. This book is parallel to his Hungarian book on the same subject. Kornitzer takes our acquaintance with the people he interviews for granted but gives enough information along the way to jog a sleepy memory. The men included, mostly in politics, are Truman, Taft, Ickes, Roosevelt, Vinson, Barkley, Baruch, Einstein, Hoffman, Zukor, Sarnoff, DeMille. The series vary in interest, penetration, and completeness. There is some trivia. Some of the questions stem from the author's desire to compare the old and new world concepts of parenthood. His thesis is that the microcosm of the family in the United States reflects the democracy of our government, while the dictatorial father of old Europe was patterned in the form of kings and Kainers. His presentation of his own father as representative of all Europe seems hardly justifiable. Interpretation of material is inadequate. Yet for families interested in knowing more about prominent men and the family in America this will be an interesting and informative excursion. It is far from being a thorough social investigation.

Pub Date: March 24, 1952

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Hermitage House

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1952

Categories: NONFICTION