Woodrow Wilson - by Ronald J Pestritto (Paperback)

About the Book

Woodrow Wilson's contribution to American foreign policy is well known, but his role in the development of American political thought and institutions is less recognized. In this volume, Ronald J. Pestritto, a scholar of Wilson and of American political thought, presents and i...

Book Synopsis

Woodrow Wilson's contribution to American foreign policy is well known, but his role in the development of American political thought and institutions is less recognized. In this volume, Ronald J. Pestritto, a scholar of Wilson and of American political thought, presents and introduces the statesman and president's seminal essays on such topics as a theory of the state; the idea of political liberty and the purpose of government; reforming Congress, the presidency, and political parties; and leadership in politics and administration. This volume shows us the development of a great American leader's political understanding and ideals.

Review Quotes

Finally, a first-rate scholar of Woodrow Wilson has provided us with a first-rate single-volume collection of his seminal political writings. It has always been something of a mystery why the key political writings of such a towering figure as Woodrow Wilson have been unavailable in a single volume. Whatever the reason, R. J. Pestritto has done all of us who study and teach Woodrow Wilson an enormous service. Beautifully introduced by an insightful interpretative essay, Pestritto's collection will immediately become indispensable to scholars of American political thought and development, and their students. We will wonder how we had managed without it for so long.

Pestritto has succeeded splendidly and should be congratulated for uncovering the harm that 'mere' academics can do.

Pestritto...has expertly edited this volume of Wilson's most fundamental essays, organizing the subject matter and rendering the accompanying text in such a masterful manner that both curious novices and studied scholars have equal access to the breadth and depth of Wilson's political ideas... Summing Up: Highly Recommended. All levels/libraries.

Ronald Pestritto has done students of American political thought and institutions a great favor. He has collected the most important speeches and writings of Woodrow Wilson-those that best represent Wilson's penetrating and skillful critique of the Constitution. Graced with an excellent introduction to Wilson's political thought, this volume provides important insights into how a distinguished scholar rose to the presidency and played a critical part in refounding the American republic.

The material included here is some of Wilson's most significant work....Pestritto does a good job in assembling a cross-section of Wilson's political writings....Ideal for undergraduate and perhaps graduate courses....Highly readable and welcome addition to the scholarship on one of the few political scientists who was also an influential political actor.

About the Author

Ronald J. Pestritto is Charles and Lucia Shipley Chair in the American Constitution at Hillsdale College and research fellow of the Claremont Institute. His most recent book is Woodrow Wilson and the Roots of Modern Liberalism.