David J. Rothman (1) (1937–2020)

2724 Politics and Power: The United States Senate 1869-1901, by David J. Rothman (read 28 Mar 1995) This is a 1966 book about the Senate during the years named, but it is not a very good book. The author is somewhat defensive of the Senate, and tends to gainsay the Muckrakers--an attitude which I have no trouble with. But, though the author did a lot of work, the book is kind of sketchy and concentrates mostly on comparing the Senate of the 1890's with the Senate of the 1870's. The author show more lists a great number of interesting-looking biographies which he says were of great help to him in writing the book and I had read or have subsequently read some of them, to my satisfaction. show less

This book is essential for understanding the growth and development of instituions that create, maintain, and even impose order on modern society. Rothman suggests connections between the asylum, prisons, schools, factories, and hospitals. His work couples nicely with that of Foucault but Rothman's is by far, more accessible.

Medicine and Western Civilization, edited by David J. Rothman, Steven Marcus, and Stephanie A. Kiceluk contains a selection of primary sources from the ancient world through 1990 C.E., with the majority drawing from the medieval period and Industrial Revolution. My students read this for a course about medical history and it's particularly well-suited for such a subject. Those interested in the history of medical thought will also find it an excellent primer.

Locking all kinds of people who presented social problems waws part of the reform movement in the United States. There was some promise of rehabilitation, but it did not work out that way and now the US has more people in prisons than any other country. A good historical overview