Behold, America

The Entangled History of "America First" and "the American Dream"

By: Sarah Churchwell

Narrated by: Anne Twomey

A Smithsonian Magazine Best History Book of 2018

The unknown history of two ideas crucial to the struggle over what America stands for.

In Behold, America, Sarah Churchwell offers a surprising account of 20th-century Americans' fierce battle for the nation's soul. It follows the stories of two phrases - the "American dream" and "America First" - that once embodied opposing visions for America.

Starting as a Republican motto before becoming a hugely influential isolationist slogan during World War I, America First was always closely linked with authoritarianism and white supremacy. The American dream, meanwhile, initially represented a broad vision of democratic and economic equality. Churchwell traces these notions through the 1920s boom, the Depression, and the rise of fascism at home and abroad, laying bare the persistent appeal of demagoguery in America and showing us how it was resisted.

At a time when many ask what America's future holds, Behold, America is a revelatory, unvarnished portrait of where we have been.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2018 Sarah Churchwell (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"The most intriguing aspect of the book is Churchwell's charting of how 'The American Dream' in the past connoted something less materialistic and more collective than is now the case.... [A] fascinating history." (Independent)

"Behold, America is an enthralling book, almost a primer for the ferocious dialectic of US politics, inspired by the events of 2015/16. It will no doubt take an influential place on a teeming shelf of Trump-lit. Much of its force derives from the echoes of the present it finds in the thunderous caverns of the past, blurred by the distortions of history. Passionate, well-researched and comprehensive, it is both a document of our times and a thrilling survey of a half-forgotten and neglected dimension of the American story." (Guardian)

"[A] richly engaging account of the expressions "the American Dream" and "America First"...Behold, America is enormously entertaining. Churchwell is a careful and sensitive reader, writes with great vigour and has a magpie's eye for a revealing story." (Dominic Sandbrook, Sunday Times)

Excellent

Incredibly well researched . Churchwell presents primary sources without commentary. Thi methodology let's the reader realize how fragile democracy is and yes it could happen here in the United States.

History we need to know

I highly recommend this book even to those who think they know the basics of 20th century American history. As an avid history reader this was still a revelation to me. The depth of the author’s research is much appreciated. I like the way she wove in content from lots of letters to the editor from ordinary citizens across the country.

Essential reading for our time

Nothing new under the sun, but every revolution brings a new twist. This is truly foundational history for understanding our present political movement.

Required Reading

By far the best book that I have read in a year of great books. Sarah Churchwell has essentially written about the history of the racist dog-whistle politics in America which is an amazing accomplishment. The book also manages to directly tie events from the rise of fascism to the present day and our current president in a way that will still be relevant for years to come. Excellent subtle but engaging vocal performance by Anne Twomey. This book should be taught in American schools.

Crucial information but has a monotone feel

This book is best read in lieu of a listening format, as the information is fascinating but this reading has a monotone quality to it.

Perfect time to review this timely & critical issue

Well researched & presented on a timely topic as we lunge toward our next election cycle

Beginning of first words cut off

I am glad I have my book to follow along. Very hard to understand with words cut off... so disappointed