People of Paradox: An Inquiry Concerning the Origins of American Civilization (Cornell Paperbacks)

Ithica, New York: Cornell University Press, 1990. First Thus. Paperback. Very Good. 8vo - over 7?" - 9?" tall. First Published Cornell Paperbacks, 1990 by Cornell Uinversity Press. Trade Paperback in Very Good Condition. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize. b/w illustrations. Bright and clean two-toned brown cover with white and brown titles, trace wear to extremities, if any, tight and solid glued binding. Former owner name on inside of front cover. Introductory pages up through table of contents slightly wavy along fore-edge, otherwise internals in Fine Condition. Michael Kammen examines how the distinctive American culture is the result of the dynamic interaction of the imported and the indigenous, showing how, during the years of colonization, some ideas and institutions were transferred virtually intact from Britain, while simultaneously others were being transformed in the New World. He helps the reader to see that unresolved contradictions in the American experience have created a national style, Puritanical and hedonistic, idealistic and materialistic, peace-loving and war-mongering--and that these opposing strands go back to the genesis of our history. 316 pages plus index. Bibliographical Suggestions.