AMERICAN NATIONALISM

by Hans Kohn ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

Kohn has selected for analysis five features of American nationalism which, in the grand sense, perhaps, of de Tocqueville, make up the nub of the matter. With these features or characteristics Kohn has sought to capture the organic form and movement of America -- what might be called its ""style"" or ""idea"". specifically, he has discussed the origins of nationalism -- observing that America began without a history or any pre-determined pattern and was therefore unique both from its own standpoint and from that of the student of history. He has traced the relationship between England and America and, in his concluding concepts, has discovered America returning today to its roots in the Anglo-Saxon heritage. He has expounded the ""Federal structure"" which at last formed in this country; and in the structure he has portrayed both cause and consequence for America, both the reason for the particular structure and the effects produced by it. He has broken down, reconstituted and evaluated the ethnic components. Finally he has projected the role and plight of America onto the world stage especially in its present polarity with Russian Communism. It is essentially not a ""difficult"" book but it is so graduated and interwoven in meanings, in insights, in thematic forces that it is impossible, even approximately, to synthesize or restate. It is unquestionably a brilliant work, enduring in its interest and political significance, for the serious, intelligent seekers.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1957

Categories: NONFICTION