A William Appleman Williams Reader: Selections From His Major Historical Writings - Softcover

Path-breaking, controversial analysis that is as fresh and pointed today as at its inception. -- Susan E. Parker * Library Journal * Voluminous writing... the historian whose perspectives about the United States and its relations with the world challenged and altered conventional interpretations of American diplomatic history. * Journal of the Early Republic * A splendid collection from his works...a real treat. * Virginia Quarterly Review * Concise. -- Paul Buhle and Eric Rice-Maximin * Dissent

William Appleman Williams, who died in 1990, was arguably the most influential and controversial historian of his generation. His revisionist writings, especially in American diplomatic history, forced historians and others to abandon old cliches and confront disturbing questions about America's behavior in the world. Williams defined America's social, moral, constitutional, and economic development in uncompromising, iconoclastic, and original terms. He saw history as "a way of learning;" and applied the principle brilliantly in books and essays which have altered our vision of the American past and present. In this rich collection, Henry Berger has drawn from Williams's most important writings-including "The Tragedy of American Diplomacy," "The Contours of American History," and "The Roots of the Modern American Empire" to present his key arguments. There are twenty-one selections in all, from books, essays, and articles, including two never before published. Mr. Berger has added notes to the selections and an enlightening introduction which explores Williams's career and ideas. This is an exceptionally valuable book.