Books That Changed America

By: Robert B. Downs

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Synopsis: From the book: THOUGH YOU MAY NOT KNOW IT, BOOKS THAT YOU MAY NEVER HAVE READ ARE PROFOUNDLY AFFECTING YOUR LIFE AND LIFE AROUND YOU IN AMERICA TODAY. The call for revolutionary action by Thomas Paine ... the argument for civil disobedience by Thoreau . . . the dissection of governmental corruption by Lincoln Steffens . . . the analysis of American racism by Gunnar Myrdal . . . the chilling warning against ecological disaster by Rachel Carson . . . these are but a few of the books that have left a lasting impression upon America. From the moment of their publication, their influence began to be felt-an influence that has never ceased to operate in American society. Taking a brilliant cross-section of works in virtually every area of thought-political, economic, scientific, judicial, sociological, and literary-Dr. Robert B. Downs, former President of the American Library Association and head of the University of Illinois Library, gives a superb explication of each of these fascinating works and charts their effects upon the complex fabric of our emerging and evolving nation.