In 'Nixon Agonistes,' Garry Wills delves into the psyche of Richard Nixon, exploring the complexities of his character and the tumultuous events of his presidency. Wills sheds light on Nixon's motivations, insecurities, and the paradox of his ambitions amidst scandal and betrayal. Through a blend of historical analysis and psychological insight, the book reveals how Nixon's personal struggles mirrored the nation's turmoil. As Wills unpacks the layers of Nixon's legacy, he challenges readers to reconsider the implications of power and morality in politics. This provocative examination leaves us questioning: What drove this enigmatic leader to his ultimate downfall?
By Garry Wills
Published: 2002
""In the theater of politics, the role of the leader is often a mask, worn to hide the fears and contradictions that lie beneath the surface of power.""
From one of America's most distinguished historians comes this classic analysis of Richard Nixon. By considering some of the president's opinions, Wills comes to the controversial conclusion that Nixon was actually a liberal. Both entertaining and essential, Nixon Agonistes captures a troubled leader and a struggling nation mired in a foolish Asian war, forfeiting the loyalty of its youth, puzzled by its own power, and looking to its cautious president for confidence. In the end, Nixon Agonistes reaches far beyond its assessment of the thirty-seventh president to become an incisive and provocative analysis of the American political machine.
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“"In the theater of politics, the role of the leader is often a mask, worn to hide the fears and contradictions that lie beneath the surface of power."”
Nixon Agonistes
By Garry Wills
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Garry Wills is an acclaimed American author, historian, and cultural critic, widely recognized for his profound insights into American politics and history. He has published over forty books, including notable works such as 'Lincoln at Gettysburg,' which earned him the Pulitzer Prize, and 'Nixon Agonistes.' Wills is particularly known for his intellectually rigorous yet accessible writing style, merging eloquent prose with thorough research. His explorations of religious themes, particularly in works like 'What the Gospels Meant,' reveal his deep engagement with both theology and literature. A former professor of history at Northwestern University, Wills continues to influence contemporary thought through his essays and public lectures.
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