Complete, informative and concise. A must have for the collector! It's worth having Amazon find it.

Norton seeks to show how Americans' political theory interacts with popular culture. For example, she sees in mass reproduction of art a commitment to egalitarianism; in our consumption of ethnic food is our acceptance of foreign cultures. In fact, she argues that we express our freedom through consumption, and that consumption functions to provide us with powerful signs of our freedom and individuality. Hence the absence of consumer goods in the Soviet Union was one of the most memorable aspects of communism for Americans, who see in an absence of consumer choice an absence of freedom, since you could no longer use the signs of consumption to express yourself.

Looking at consumption is for her, though, only one way to look at ways that we represent ourselves. Other ways are by speaking,voting, and through texts such as the Constitution. Norton discusses the particularities of each of these sign systems and how the forms of sign-giving intersect with freedom and authenticity.

The book is extremely provocative. After reading it I found myself constantly analyzing *everything* according to her schema, trying to figure out what kinds of values are manifested in different political and non-political acts. I recommend it to anyone interested in looking deeper into popular and political culture.

The humor in this book is only exceeded by the biting commentary found throughout the text. This is a must read for anyone forced to endure conscription into any army in the world (and there are all kinds of those).

This book presents a strong defense for representative democracy. It argues that not only is representative democracy the best option available, but that much of the criticisms of the the legislative branch is based on inaccurate perceptions.
The public has become less trustful of government. Polls show about 75% of the public during the 1960s trusted government. In 1973, 42% of those polled had "a great deal" or "quite a bit" of confidence in Congress, In mid-2001, 26% stated that had a "great deal" or "quite a bit" of confidence in Congress.
The public distaste for politics along with the mean spiritedness of campaigns discourages many capable people from even entering politics. Further, many who do select public service as a career are finding the burdens of service are causing them to leave public careers prematurely. The loss of dedicated public servants weakens the legislative process as well as reduces the public image of legislatures.
While the public may be disillusioned with representative democracy, and while politicians may similarly have reservations, the alternatives are no better. The authors argue that the option of Executive dominance can lead to concentrated and abused power. The alternative of direct democracy may be cumbersomely unpractical and may be more readily manipulated by powerful interests.
Negative campaign advertising is cited as a major influence in the declining appreciation and respect for politics and for government. Political scientist Richard Fenno has found that negative campaigning is further affecting government, as candidates are elected by claiming their opposition to the institutions to which they seek eleciton and, upon election, their negativity hampers their abilities to serve in office.
The authors note the very nature of legislative politics is bound to create negative public perceptions. Most legislation that is passed reflects compromises and the mere act of compromising often leads proponents and opponents both feeling disappointed. Legislative work thus usually wins few friends, yet it produces important results.
Despite its complexities and nuances, representative democracy does work. The legislative branch does a good job of bridging the gap between the public and policy makers. The alternative of administrative control concentrates power too much and the alternative of direct participation is too cumbersome. Representative democracy may not be perfect, as this book discusses, but it is the best system there is. Readers wishing to explore these discussions will greatly appreciate this book.

Based on thorough research in manuscript collections and the contemporary press, this is the most informed study of the Massachusetts-based opposition to the Philippine-American War (1899-1902) and turn-of-the-century U.S. imperialism.

This has got to be the most informative tech book available next to the original AAF Maintenance and Erection Tech Manual. I was very pleased at the in depth structural and technical knowledge imparted by Mr Johnsen. Johnsen did a magnificent job putting this book together, WELL DONE.

Whether liberal or conservative, man or woman, religious or atheist, all Americans should read and will love this book. An insightful look at America and our Republic, Earl Warren's A Republic if you Can Keep It is one of the greatest political books ever written. I recommend it to all Americans, especially at a time when our Republic is tested by the will of the people.

This relatively small volume is an essential addition to the library of anyone who has an interest in the Republic, Plato or the classics in general. Unlike many other studies I have read, Howland's focuses on the relationship of the Republic to the Greek literary tradition, Homer's Odyssey in particular, but also tragedy and comedy. This perspective not only informs us about the philosophical content, but it helps to resolve many of the apparent contradictions in the Republic, and gives us some clues as to what Plato was trying to say. This volume has increased my understanding of the Republic, and has encouraged me to go back to the original text over and over again, for each subsequent reading is rewarded by new insight. Well worth the price.

James Martin and co-author Mark Lender demonstrate that the Continental Army--more so than the militia--won the Revolutionary War. After the battle of Breed's Hill (AKA Bunker Hill) in which the militia surprised the British Regulars, the Continental Army became increasingly important to the revolutionary cause. Without a decisive victory against Washington and the Continental Army the British could not win the war. Martin and Lender repeatedly drive this point home with well researched facts and quotes that tell a compelling story of the 'Continentals.' "A Respectable Army," however, isn't just about battles and military strategy, it also describes the character (i.e. socioeconomic background) of the men who comprised the ranks of the Continental Army. It also demonstrates the significance of Washington's leadership to the American military tradition. Overall, Martin and Lender do a fascinating job of fusing military history with modern "social history" in creating a brilliant history of the Continental Army. If you like John Keegan's "Fields of Battle" and PBS's "Civil War," you'll enjoy "A Respectable Army."

This is a very important study of early American writing and should be sought out by anyone interested in the formation of American political and religious rhetoric.