Sentimental Democracy

The Evolution of America's Romantic Self-Image

by Andrew Burstein

Hill and Wang, 1999

ISBN: 9780809085354
No. pages: 400

Category: Concepts & Trends

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In this summary you will learn

• How the emotional history of the U.S. explains why citizens fell in love with the idea of America
• Why Americans can relate to the underdog

Why you should read Sentimental Democracy

Andrew Burstein’s book reveals an obscure but important thread in U.S. cultural history. His discussion of the "Man of Feeling" and the culture of sensibility provides important background for understanding the American Revolutionary period. Since documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States often are read out of context (if they are read at all), Burstein helps you understand what they meant to their contemporaries. Burstein is almost too thorough in surveying 18th and 19th century literature for examples, and the book is slow going at times. But he also tries to show how these ideas persist in America’s self-image. His contemporary analysis is skimpy, though - such as his attempt to explain Hollywood screenwriting conventions in terms of sentimental democracy. However, getAbstract.com recommends this book to anyone who wants to understand some of the subtleties behind the events of early American history.

About the Author

Andrew Burstein  graduated from Columbia College and received an M.A. in Asian Studies from the University of Michigan. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia in 1994. He has taught U.S. history at several colleges and is the author of The Inner Jefferson