Daniel Webster and the Rise of National Conservatism [Paperback]

Richard Nelson Current (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 088133653X | ISBN-13: 978-0881336535 | Publication Date: January 1992

This short work details the life and experiences of statesman Daniel Webster and his influence on the American political conservatism of the late-nineteenth century. Born in New England on January 18, 1782, Webster demonstrated startling powers of assimilation and retention even as a child. He received the best of his early education from newspapers, his mother's Bible, the political gossip of wayfarers at the farmhouse tavern and his father's exciting tales of great men and great battles. During his formal education at Dartmouth, Webster refined his prowess at public speaking, eventually evolving into one of the most skilled orators in America. He was to play a crucial role in the development of a conception of national conservatism that remains significant to our own times. Constructed from the building blocks of expansive but peaceful Americanism, popular self-discipline, Constitution worship, beneficent technology, realizable harmony of group interests, and power linked to property, Webster's conservative philosophy was embraced by the prominent New England merchants and prosperous country squires. His experience reveals the difficulties and dilemmas encountered by the people in our past who sought to develop a conservative philosophy for American politics. In examining Webster's vital philosophy, Richard Current's incisive analysis has a direct and continuing pertinence for the citizens of a democratic republic.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Consider these titles of related interest also available from Waveland Press: Current, Lincoln and the First Shot (ISBN 0881334987); Dangerfield, The Awakening of American Nationalism 1815-1828 (ISBN 0881338230); Smelser, The Democratic Republic 1801-1815 (ISBN 0881336688); and Van Deusen, The Jacksonian Era 1828-1848 (ISBN 0881336769).

Product Details

• Paperback: 215 pages
• Publisher: Waveland Pr Inc (January 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 088133653X
• ISBN-13: 978-0881336535
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,927,746 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars good, December 13, 2004

By 

Eric Shou "eric" (penn state) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Daniel Webster and the Rise of National Conservatism (Paperback)

the book was very comprehensive and thorough. it gives a great biographical sketch of a historical figure often forgotten about. Very readable.