ME Sharpe Professor

Modern American Lives reflects what the authors have learned as teachers: that the history of contemporary America can be more profoundly comprehended—and students more thoroughly engaged—when a course encompasses the lives of individuals, prominent and otherwise. This collection of biographical sketches acquaints students with a variety of influential Americans from the postwar period who played important roles in national politics, foreign policy, social and political activism, popular and literary culture, sports, and business. The combined biographical/thematic approach is designed to serve two purposes: to present more contextualized portraits of these individuals and to offer a you-are-there dimension to the examination of key events and issues. The pairings of 26 person in 13 chronological chapters afford readers stimulating contrasts and richer insights into the period.

The book is an ideal supplement for undergraduate courses on The United States Since 1945, as well as for courses on Modern America and 20th Century America.

“A wonderful book. These highly readable biographies of men and women who have shaped recent U.S. history illuminate important political, diplomatic, social, and cultural trends of these decades. The introductions and other supporting materials enhance the work's value and embed the biographies firmly within their historical context. From George Kennan to Noam Chomsky, Marilyn Monroe to Tiger Woods, every biography provides a rich harvest of perceptive insights." — Paul S. Boyer, University of Wisconsin (*)

“The chapters are carefully written and thought provoking. ...Faculty will certainly be able to mine this book for interesting lecture material. — Teaching History: A Journal of Methods