'How refreshing to encounter a textbook distinguished by a very un-textbook-like capacity to say what is most important about this or that historical episode rather than just 'covering' what everyone else covers. This is a wonderfully analytic, sharply formulated book that will give students direct access to what they most need to know.' - David A. Hollinger, Preston Hotchkis Professor of American History, University of California, Berkeley

'The book will be attractive to teachers and students who want an introductory survey of American political history that combines assured scholarship and accessible prose, and that – through admirable compression – keeps to a manageable length.' - Richard Cawardine, Rhodes Professor of American History, University of Oxford

'It might seem miraculous for a relatively short textbook by a single author to treat the entire political history of the United States with comprehensive thoroughness alongside lightly-worn learning and sparkling wit. But miracles do happen, and Bruce Kuklick has done it. Readers are in for a real treat from this book - both for what they will learn and for how Kuklick's carefully expressed judgments force them to think.' - Mark A. Noll, Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History, University of Notre Dame, USA