David E. Shi

A scholarly retelling of the history of the United States that focuses on the seemingly endless tension in North American culture between the liberty of independence (self-sufficient worth, contentment) versus the compulsion for personal achievement (accumulation, status-seeking, wealth). In Shi's account, this thread runs through history almost as a cultural pendulum, ever swinging and, in a sense, over-correcting, between the poles of rugged asceticism and wanton greed. Well written, show more fascinating framing of American studies with a history of ideas orientation. show less

A scholarly, well balanced and readable analysis of the historical struggle between materialism and post-materialism in American culture. The trouble is that the post-materialism so often regresses.

It's a textbook so it's definitely not something you pick up for fun. However, I liked the format and it wasn't completely dull. It gives a good overview of American history so if you are looking for something like that, then this is the book for you.

It's a textbook so it's definitely not something you pick up for fun. However, I liked the format and it wasn't completely dull. It gives a good overview of American history so if you are looking for something like that, then this is the book for you.