Scan barcode
friendsheyho's review
3.0
This book was interesting, and definitely told a lot about various symbols and rites of the early American republic. However, to anyone who has a knowledge of this period of American history (approx. 1790-1800), many of the points the author makes won't be a surprise; the concept of the battle between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans taking place in the streets is just an extension of regular American history, regardless of how much the author focuses on marginalized groups. And he does! The way the author constantly refers back to how women and black Americans participated in the aspect of popular political culture he is talking about.
Ultimately, though, the biggest flaw of this book is repetition. When I began it, it was far more interesting to me than it was by the end, because the author is seemingly unaware that he has spent the last two hundred pages repeating the same three or four sentiments; the French Revolution was integral to the development of Democratic-Republicans, the Federalists slowly lost control over the festivals, and the Democratic-Republicans used liberty poles, trees, caps, and the tricolor as symbols. Now rinse and repeat.
An interesting book that did provide some light on aspects of American life, but was killed by its own word count.
Ultimately, though, the biggest flaw of this book is repetition. When I began it, it was far more interesting to me than it was by the end, because the author is seemingly unaware that he has spent the last two hundred pages repeating the same three or four sentiments; the French Revolution was integral to the development of Democratic-Republicans, the Federalists slowly lost control over the festivals, and the Democratic-Republicans used liberty poles, trees, caps, and the tricolor as symbols. Now rinse and repeat.
An interesting book that did provide some light on aspects of American life, but was killed by its own word count.
More...