The Federalists of Jefferson's time have been described by historians as complainers and obstructionists. A very different picture evolves from this book, which the author calls "a reconsideration of American political conversation in the early national reriod." Mrs. Kerber shows that the rift between Federalists and Jeffersonians was caused by differences in ideology. The Federalists, according to the author, feared that an ordered world was disintegrating and that the sources of stability were being undermined by Jeffersonian concepts of science and education, of law and democracy, and by social arrangements founded on slavery. The book demonstrates how the rolitical differences of the two groups were reflected in all cultural forms and issues.

By a skillful use of quotations from varied sources-newspapers, letters, literary works, congressional debates-Mrs. Kerber lets her rrotagonists speak for themselves. The work has current significance because Federalist beliefs emphasized the rrecariousness of popular democracy and the difficulty of maintaining a stable social order-both widesrread concerns of Americans today.

About the Author

Linda K. Kerber is May Brodbeck Professor in the Arts and Sciences and lecturer in the College of Law at the University of Iowa.

Reviews

Convinced that the Federalists have not had a fair shake from Jefferson-worshipping historians, Linda K. Kerber has set out to refurbish their image by examining their rhetoric and ideology. Concentrating on the 'articulate Federalists' (mostly New Englanders) who published orations, essays, and satirical literature, she examines their attitudes toward the arts, science, education, law, and the contemporary American social order.... Her analysis will remain an indispensable introduction to Federalist thought.

* Journal of American History *

Kerber argues that the distinction between Federalists and Jeffersonians was as much cultural as political.... The well-documented study is based on a wide reading of contemporary pamphlets, newspapers, and correspondence.

* American Historical Review *

Students of the early American period, especially those with an interdisciplinary perspective, will be interested in Kerber's revision of the Federalists' image and encouraged by the volume and quality of the original material investigated.

* American Political Science Review *

The Federalist thinking that Kerber explores helps to give greater depth to the more familiar history of Federalist politics, and, beyond that, she brings more of the country to life.

* Journal of American Studies *



Book Information
ISBN 9780801492129
Author Linda K. Kerber
Format Paperback
Page Count 252
Imprint Cornell University Press
Publisher Cornell University Press
Weight(grams) 454g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 140mm * 18mm