margaretefg's review against another edition
5.0
This book was a great clarifier for me, focusing how I think about this period and the entire period from the 1930s to the Reagan era (and today). I'm still wrapping my mind around Cowie's idea that New Deal liberalism was more an exceptional moment, than a new order. The book is very convincing, well-researched, weaving together stories of the rise and fall of unions (and union infighting, union politicking, etc); politics (great descriptions of the McGovern campaign and of Nixon); race and class; movies and songs.
dancpharmd's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. A great look at the 70s through the prism of the working-class and organized labor. It sounds as dry as stale bread, but it was quite the contrary.
tamick's review against another edition
5.0
Extremely well written. I love a good history book with a compelling narrative.
aloyokon's review against another edition
4.0
A look at 1970s America through a class lenses, as the politics and culture of the country shifts from a New Deal era to a more conservative dispensation of the 80s and beyond.
dansbooks's review against another edition
3.0
This is really two books in one: a history/analysis of the decline of the working class and the labor movement in the '70s and the crafting of and implication of Richard Nixon's strategy to bring the white working class into the Republican fold; and a tour of the reflection of the American worker in the popular culture (especially music and film) of the time.
For me, at least, the first was far more engaging and insightful than the second: fresh with insights and, unfortunately, close parallels to contemporary politics. Also a definite improvement on earlier studies (especially the Edsalls' Chain Reaction. The second was the stuff of college essays. So - very much worth reading, especially if you breeze through parts.
For me, at least, the first was far more engaging and insightful than the second: fresh with insights and, unfortunately, close parallels to contemporary politics. Also a definite improvement on earlier studies (especially the Edsalls' Chain Reaction. The second was the stuff of college essays. So - very much worth reading, especially if you breeze through parts.
markk's review against another edition
5.0
This is truly an amazing and informative book, one that everybody with an interest in American history should read.
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