American Statesmanship - by Joseph R Fornieri & Kenneth L Deutsch & Sean D Sutton (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This book, much needed in our public discourse, examines some of the most significant political leaders in American history.

With an eye on the elusive qualities of political greatness, this anthology considers the principles and practices of diverse political leaders who influenced the founding and development of the American experiment in self-government. Providing both breadth and depth, this work is a virtual "who's who" from the founding to modern times. From George Washington to Frederick Douglass and Elizabeth Cady Stanton to FDR and Ronald Reagan, the book's twenty-six chapters are thematically organized to include a brief biography of each subject, his or her historical context, and the core principles and policies that led to political success or failure. A final chapter considers the rhetorical legacy of Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. Nearly all readers agree that statesmanship makes a crucial difference in the life of a nation and its example is sorely needed in America today. These concise portraits will appeal to experts as well as history buffs. The volume is ideal for leadership and political science classroom use in conjunction with primary sources.

Contributors: Kenneth L. Deutsch, Gary L. Gregg II, David Tucker, Sean D. Sutton, Bruce P. Frohnen, Stephanie P. Newbold, Phillip G. Henderson, Michael P. Federici, Troy L. Kickler, Johnathan O'Neill, H. Lee Cheek, Jr., Carey Roberts, Hans Schmeisser, Joseph R. Fornieri, Peter C. Myers, Emily Krichbaum, Natalie Taylor, Jean M. Yarbrough, Christopher Burkett, Will Morrisey, Elizabeth Edwards Spalding, Patrick J. Garrity, Giorgi Areshidze, William J. Atto, David B. Frisk, Mark Blitz, Jeffrey Crouch, and Mark J. Rozell.

Review Quotes

"From Abraham Lincoln to Donald Trump, American Statesmanship is a kaleidoscope of the good, the bad, and the ugly and an examination of why, despite the evolution of statesmanship in America, we remain a 'House Divided.' This book is relevant and necessary at this time." --Frank J. Williams, former chief justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court and founding chair of the Lincoln Forum

"The elusive question of statesmanship--presidential, legislative, and judicial--is handled with thought-provoking originality by an impressive roster of experts in this important volume of essays. In an age in which, more than ever, we need statesmen (and stateswomen) of the caliber described in this collection, here is a book that will serve as both an inspiration and a guide." --Harold Holzer, author of The Presidents vs. the Press and winner of the Gilder-Lehrman Lincoln Prize

"American Statesmanship informs readers without trying to give them a set of implausible directions. It shows the failures and successes of actual leaders. It connects their policies, character, and practices to broader questions of morality and prudence." --James F. Pontuso, author of Nature's Virtue

About the Author

Joseph R. Fornieri is professor of political science at Rochester Institute of Technology and the director of the Center for Statesmanship, Law, and Liberty. He is the author of several books, including Abraham Lincoln, Philosopher Statesman.

Kenneth L. Deutsch (1945-2015) was professor of political science at the State University of New York, Geneseo.

Sean D. Sutton is professor of political science at Rochester Institute of Technology.