Bold Endeavors: How Our Government Built America, and Why It Must Rebuild Now

by Felix Rohatyn

Describes ten large-scale public investments, including the Louisiana Purchase, the Panama Canal, and the G.I. Bill, and their impact on American economics and society.

Genres: History, Politics, Economics

272 pages, Hardcover

First published February 7, 2009

Reviews

[Kevin Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspirational as to what government can do. After 50 years of hearing that government is the problem. This is a timely counter to that argument.

[James Femmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I agree with the author's thesis, that government planning and spending has saved us from financial stagnation more than once, and that we wouldn't have reached the level of development we have reached without those bold moves, at times against great opposition and skepticism.

Certain chapters seemed almost prophetic. The debacle over the Reconstruction Finance Corporation in the Hoover-FDR era was entirely too familiar to somebody paying attention to the economic situation and stimulus efforts during the current administration. If anything, it serves as a reminder that we must look to our past as well as to the future. That the federal government has a purpose, and we should be able to benefit from it rather than always trying to cripple it.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many anecdotes and patriotic nonsense. It offers a good history overview, but lacks the concrete citations I was hoping for.

[Mitzi Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you believe the federal government has a role to play in shaping the progress of society, this book will give you plenty of validation. A very interesting set of historical stories.

[Lisa]

A very good history lesson.