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Smith, Rogers M : Civic Ideals: Conflicting Visions Of Citizenship In U.s. History

Yale University Press, New Haven, CT, 1997

ISBN 0300069898

First Edition / First Printing. Fine in Fine Dust Jacket. 720 pages. Massive account on subject. One of the most valuable books of our time. The First Hardcover Edition. Precedes and should not be confused with all other subsequent editions. Published in a small and limited first print run as a hardcover original only by a University Press. The First Edition is now scarce. Presents Rogers M. Smith's "Civic Ideals: Conflicting Visions of Citizenship in U. S. History". The definitive and indispensable book on what it takes and means, legally and politically, to be an American. "Is civic identity in the United States really defined by liberal, democratic political principles? Or is citizenship the product of multiple traditions, not only liberalism and republicanism, but also white supremacy, Anglo-Saxon supremacy, Protestant supremacy, and male supremacy? In this powerful and disturbing book, Rogers M. Smith traces political struggles over citizenship laws from the Colonial Period through the Progressive Era, and shows that throughout history, most adults were legally denied access to full citizenship, including political rights, solely because of their race, ethnicity, or gender. Basic conflicts over these denials have driven political development in the United States. These conflicts are what truly define civic society to this day. Concludes that today, the United States is in a period of reaction against the egalitarian civic reforms of the last generation, with nativist, racist, and sexist beliefs regaining influence. Suggests ways that proponents of liberal democracy should alter their view of citizenship in order to combat these developments more effectively" (Publisher's blurb). The struggle between blacks (African-Americans) and whites (European-Americans) underpins, mirrors, and extends to the struggle between immigrants (ALL would-be immigrants, not just Hispanics) and those "natural-born" (mostly whites). In Smith's exhaustive account, it often amounts to nothing less than the existential struggle between self and the unassimilable, alien Other. An absolute "must-have" title for Rogers M. Smith collectors. This copy is very prominently and beautifully signed and inscribed in black pen on the front free endpaper by the author: "A great reason why this story doesn't have to have an unhappy ending! Best, Rogers [M. Smith]. It is signed directly on the page itself, not on a tipped-in page. The recipient is named, and is unmistakably known to the author. This title is a great book. As far as we know, this is the only such signed and inscribed copy of the First Hardcover Edition/First Printing available online and is in especially fine condition: Clean, crisp, and bright, a pristine beauty. Please note: Copies available online have serious flaws, are subsequent printings, or are remainder-marked. This is surely an accessible and lovely alternative. A rare signed copy thus. Pulitzer Prize Finalist for "Civic Ideals: Conflicting Visions of Citizienship in U. S. History" in 1998. One of the finest American political historian/thinkers of our time. A fine copy. . ISBN 0300069898.

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