American Cause [Paperback]

Russell Kirk (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1882926935 | ISBN-13: 978-1882926930 | Publication Date: November 1, 2002 | Edition: 1

The American Cause explains in simple yet eloquent language the bedrock principles upon which America’s experiment in constitutional self-government is built. Russell Kirk, whose life and thought has recently been featured in C-SPAN’s acclaimed "American Writers" series—intended "this little book" to be an assertion of the moral and social principles upholding our nation. Kirk’s primer is an aid to reflection on those principles—political, economic, and religious—that have united Americans when faced with challenges and threats from the enemies of ordered freedom. In this new age of terrorism, Kirk’s lucid and straightforward presentation of the articles of American belief is both necessary and welcome. Gleaves Whitney’s newly edited version of Kirk’s work, combined with his insightful commentary, make The American Cause a timely addition to the literature of liberty.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Russell Kirk (1918-1994) is widely regarded as one of the principal architects of the postwar conservative intellectual movement. A columnist, essayist, novelist, historian, and critic, Kirk’s best-known work is The Conservative Mind: From Burke to Eliot. Gleaves Whitney is a senior aide to and chief speechwriter for Michigan Governor John Engler. The first senior fellow at the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal, his work has appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, National Review, Christian Science Monitor, Vital Speeches of the Day, Crisis, Modern Age, Intercollegiate Review, University Bookman, and Policy Review.

Product Details

• Paperback: 125 pages
• Publisher: Intercollegiate Studies Institute; 1 edition (November 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1882926935
• ISBN-13: 978-1882926930
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #920,356 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Americanism 101, May 18, 2003

By 

Steve Jackson "stevejackson100atyahoocom" (New England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: American Cause (Paperback)

In 1957, Russell Kirk (1918-1994) published this brief synopsis of principles of the "American way of life." It was recently republished and serves as a useful introduction to a conservative view of what is uniquely American. Kirk hits on many of the principle themes of American life: the influence of Christianity, the American view of government, etc.

I tend to agree with most of what Kirk writes here. I did find a couple things interesting. First, Kirk's view of Christianity is somewhat "humanistic." For example, Kirk's discussion of the significance of Jesus' death is more or less the "example" theory of the atonement. Second, I think Kirk's discussion of US imperialism sugar coats how cynical and brutal American policy with respect to other nations has at times been.

This is a new edition of this work, which has been slightly re-edited by Gleaves Whitney as a sort of "primer on America, post September 11." I don't have a problem with this, but the previous edition contained an introduction by John Dos Passos. Why was this removed? Also, Mr. Whitney has included a section of "recommended readings" which recommends several works by neoconservatives. Considering Dr. Kirk's disavowal of the neoconservative movement, this is regretful.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Scholarly but readable, August 6, 2008

By 

Robert Kavanaugh "Professor Bob" (Spring Branch, TX) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: American Cause (Paperback)

An edited version of an extremely scholarly overview of "Americanism" by a man who became iconic within the scholarly community. This is a book which anyone can read - and probably should read!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I wish everyone in America would read: The American Cause, September 26, 2009

By 

J.Foley - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: American Cause (Paperback)

This book is amazing! It is an easy read, simply enough for middle school students to understand. The American Cause clearly explains the principles upon which our country was founded and which have enabled us to live in peace and prosperity. I think it is a must read for all Americans.