Review of The Age of Reagan, 1964-1980: The Fall of the Old Liberal Order (Hardcover)

The Reagan Revolution started with Barry Goldwater getting pounded like a disobedient mule back in 1964.That's pretty much common knowledge.Reagan campaigned for the GOP presidential candidate and delivered a well-received prime time televised speech on Goldwater's behalf.From there Reagan went to the Governorship of California and the rest is history.For those who think this is a study of Reagan, should be informed that it is instead the story of what changed America's mood in the years 64-80...a study of the politics, social changes, and what-have-you.Reagan in the early portions maks infrequent, almost cameo appreances.

Steven Hayward charts the death of small "L' liberalism (at the hands of the radical New Left) and the rise of the conservative tide which led to Reagan's victory in 1980.Much of the material has been printed before, but when it is all accumulated and is digested in full, the the effects are mind-boggling.

Thanks to Steven Hayward the history of the US from 1964 to 1980 comes alive in this absolutely brilliant book.As a Canadian, I found much of the material that related to the mid-sixties to early-seventies to be fascinating (even the economic portions were well done...and I'm no wizard with numbers!).Hayward's obvious dislike of the left's 'usual suspects' comes through on every page.Liberals may not like this book, but for the rest of us, it's a mighty fine read.



Click Here to see more reviews about: The Age of Reagan, 1964-1980: The Fall of the Old Liberal Order (Hardcover)