Woodrow Wilson: The Essential Political Writings

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Description

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, Wilson scholar Ronald J. Pestritto presents and introduces the statesman and president's seminal essays on such topics as: state theory; the idea of political liberty and the purpose of government; reform of Congress, the presidency, and political parties; and leadership in politics and administration. This collection makes available in a single volume the most relevant political speeches and writings of this important American leader. It will serve students and scholars as both useful teaching tool and invaluable reference source on the twenty-eighth president of the United States.

Reviews

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, Pestrittos 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. -- Joseph M. Bessette, Alice Tweed Tuohy Professor of Government and Ethics Emeritus, Claremont McKenna College
Pestritto has succeeded splendidly and should be congratulated for uncovering the harm that 'mere' academics can do. * Claremont Review of Books *
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. -- M. J. C. Taylor, Dickinson State University * Choice Reviews *
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. * Political Studies Review *
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 Wilsonthose 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. -- Sidney M. Milkis, University of Virginia

Author Bio

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.