Dissent: The History of an American Idea
Dissent: The History of an American Idea by historian Ralph Young traces American protest and dissent from colonial times through the twenty-first century. It considers reformers and movements across both liberal and conservative traditions, making this a broad survey rather than a focused account of one cause.
At a glance
- Covers dissent from colonial America through the Occupy and Tea Party movements.
- Includes struggles over civil rights, labor, women's rights, Indigenous land, war, and political traditions.
- Examines both celebrated figures and grassroots activists whose stories are often overlooked.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Wide chronological scope connects varied protest movements to changing American ideals.
- The subject matter includes liberal and conservative dissent, rather than limiting the account to one political camp.
- Kindle listing specifies screen-reader support, enhanced typesetting, Word Wise, and Page Flip.
Cons
- The broad scope spans centuries and many causes, so readers seeking an in-depth study of one movement may prefer a more focused book.
- At 622 print pages, it is a substantial historical survey.
Technical specifications
12 specifications| Publisher | NYU Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | April 24, 2015 |
| Edition | Reprint |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 622 pages |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1479814527 |
| File size | 9.3 MB |
|---|---|
| Screen Reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Not Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Page Flip | Enabled |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in U.S. history through protest, reform, and political dissent.
- Readers seeking a broad overview that includes grassroots activism and different political traditions.
- Kindle readers who use screen-reader support or Word Wise.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a narrowly focused history of one movement, period, or activist.
- Readers looking for a brief introduction rather than a long survey.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
72% 72% - 4 stars
19% 19% - 3 stars
8% 8% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback describes the book as compelling, well-written, and informative, with comments highlighting its engaging narrative and breadth of historical material. That reception may suit readers ready for a long survey of dissent across eras and movements. The overall rating distribution is mostly favorable, though a small share of ratings are at the lower end, and ratings alone do not explain individual reactions.
Positive themes
- Customer feedback highlights engaging prose and informative historical content.
Frequently asked questions
What period does Dissent cover?
The listing describes coverage from colonial times through the present, including movements in the twenty-first century.
Does the book focus on one political viewpoint?
No. The listing says it covers liberal and conservative movements and presents a range of dissenting traditions.
What is the Kindle edition's print length and file size?
The listing gives a print length of 622 pages and a Kindle file size of 9.3 MB.
What Kindle reading features are listed?
Screen Reader support, enhanced typesetting, Word Wise, and Page Flip are listed as supported or enabled. X-Ray is listed as not enabled.
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