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.



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Review of The Age of Reagan: The Conservative Counterrevolution: 1980-1989 (Hardcover)

The Age of Reagan: 1980-1989 is a fascinating account of the Reagan era and the Reagan presidency--a great read. Here are not only the policies (both domestic and foreign) but the politics, the insider debates and the conflicts.

Many people--including some committed liberal scholars Hayward quotes--think more highly of Reagan now than they did when he left office, for two reasons the author notes:

1) The "dramatic and unexpected end of the Cold War, and the demise of the Soviet Union, for which even Reagan's critics allow him a substantial role in the outcome" and

2) "the revelation of Reagan's extensive writings--radio addresses, letters, speeches, and finally his personal diary--which displayed a lively and informed mind and a greater depth of character than hitherto imagined. . .At long last we had found the rest of him."

Hayward makes good use of Reagan's own writings, which became available between 2001 and 2007, integrating them into the narrative of the broad sweep of the history of these years and giving us the flavor of Reagan's own thinking, decision-making, and sometimes frustrations with the foreign and domestic personalities with whom he was dealing.

Since Hayward wrote, even more of "the rest of him" has become available through recently declassified minutes of many of the National Security Council meetings Reagan chaired.

Hayward acknowledges that he's always been sympathetic to Reagan, but notes that he doesn't shrink from reporting weaknesses or criticizing errors or mistakes.I've found this claim fulfilled as I read the text.Hayward also gives us considerable insights into the political philosophies and debates that continue to this day.The best book yet about the Reagan era.




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