This book tries to present American history as a constant struggle between what Lincoln would have called the "better angels of our nature," and the "attendent cruelties" of American nationalism/imperialism.

It's a thought provoking premise, but poorly executed. The author takes his arguement all over the place and in the end the thesis comes across as overly simplistic. History is a complex thing (which makes it such a great source of fascinating reading). To try More...