Synopses & Reviews
In this magisterial book, a prize-winning historian shows how war has defined modern America and argues that militarization has reshaped every facet of American life: its politics, economics, culture, social relations, and place in the world.
"In this indespensable work of analysis and reflection, Sherry puts microscholarship to shame with his grand generalizing (and) reworks the national narrative, arguing powerfully for the primary of militarization.... A remarkable achievement". -- Robert Andersen, Chicago Tribune
"A remarkable tour de force.... At times sparkling, sometimes frustratingly provocative, always stimulating". -- Richard Overy, Sunday Times (London)
"Anyone who wants to come to terms with the complexity and meaning of American history in the twentieth century must confront this book. An impressive achievement indeed". -- Stanley Kutler, Times Higher Education Supplement
"Sherry's book can be read as an opinionated survey of American history since the 1930s, or as an extended essay on the nature and meaning of twentieth-century American life. Either way it works marvelously". -- H. W. Brands, Political Science Quarterly
"With a sharp eye for paradox and irony, Michael Sherry has given us an absolutely fresh perspective on our last half-century in a volume notable for its intellectual reach, subtle analysis, and graceful exposition". -- Michael Parrish, Reviews in American History
Review
"Sherry, author of The Rise of American Air Power, attempts here a comprehensive interpretative survey of recent American history, united by the thesis that the past 60 years have been dominated by war—hot and cold, real and metaphorical—and by preparation for war. Sherry calls the dominance of war and its imagery 'militarization,' as distinct from the jackboots and stiff salutes of 'militarism.' This synthesis appears to ignore some relevant works, and it often hammers home its central thesis too hard,
especially in matters of language and culture. On the whole, however, Sherry pulls it off with impressive subtlety and persuasiveness. He understands that even such developments as the rise of the national security state could spark widely divergent reactions at different times and among different groups and could lead to liberation for some and repression for others. Not everyone will agree with Sherry's conclusions, but most readers will find his work stimulating." Reviewed by Daniel Weiss, Virginia Quarterly Review (Copyright 2006 Virginia Quarterly Review)
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [556]-567) and index.