Product Description Demonstrating the intellectual excitement that is the practice of history at its best, Paul Conkin's The New Deal is still one of the best known titles in the very popular American History Series, edited by John Hope Franklin and A. S. Eisenstadt.
The New Deal, Third Edition is still the best succinct and coherent description of a chaotic period. It is an account of the major domestic policies adopted during the Roosevelt administration. It is also a rich portrait of Roosevelt the man and consummate politician, and the satellite figures around him. This highly interpretive text, with its spirited and often subtle assessments of New Deal personalities and programs, will continue to bring the period to life for new generations of students. Includes extensive photo essay.
Customer Reviews: One Man's ViewpointMay 12, 2010 M. Sader The other reviewer's a goof, Conkin's view was that the New Deal was a poor solution to a desperate period. He offers many criticisms and kind of contradicts himself. Like many of the New Left critics, he expects contemporaries to have foresight as keen as his hindsight.
That said, he also has a good understanding of people and history, which outshines his blatant disliking of FDR.
Good intro to a confusing subject. Unintentionally funny at times too.
Also he specifically says that FDR was NOT PRAGMATIC.
*** 1/2
I just did not like itOctober 27, 2009 Thamanjimmy(Jacksonville, Florida) 1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I was required to read this for a 20th century america class. I would not recommend it.
It is written in the viewpoint that the New Deal was what saved America from the Depression. It offered little criticism and failed to show the numerous unintended consequences which resulted from the New Deal (during the immediate time).
It did say, however, that FDR was pragmatic - so they got that one right.
I am sure there are better books out there. I would recommend "No Ordinary Time."
