Rick Perlstein
Full Name and Common Aliases
Rick Perlstein is a name synonymous with incisive political analysis and historical narrative. Born as Eric S. Perlstein, he is widely recognized simply as Rick Perlstein, a name that has become emblematic of deep dives into the political and cultural shifts of the United States during the latter half of the 20th century.
Birth and Death Dates
Rick Perlstein was born on September 3, 1969. As of the latest available information, he is alive and continues to contribute to the field of historical and political discourse.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Rick Perlstein is an American historian, journalist, and author. His work primarily focuses on the political history of the United States, with a particular emphasis on the conservative movement and its evolution over the decades. Perlstein's writing is characterized by its detailed research and engaging narrative style, making complex historical events accessible to a broad audience.
Early Life and Background
Rick Perlstein was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he developed an early interest in history and politics. His upbringing in the Midwest, a region often seen as a microcosm of American political dynamics, provided him with a unique perspective on the cultural and political shifts occurring in the country. Perlstein pursued his higher education at the University of Chicago, where he honed his skills in historical analysis and narrative writing. This academic background laid the foundation for his future work as a historian and author.
Major Accomplishments
Rick Perlstein's major accomplishments are rooted in his ability to weave together the threads of political history into compelling narratives that resonate with both scholars and the general public. His books have been critically acclaimed for their depth of research and engaging storytelling. Perlstein has received numerous accolades for his work, including being a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and winning the National Book Critics Circle Award for his contributions to the field of history.
Notable Works or Actions
Perlstein is best known for his series of books that chronicle the rise of the conservative movement in America. His first major work, "Before the Storm: Barry Goldwater and the Unmaking of the American Consensus", published in 2001, explores the 1964 presidential campaign of Barry Goldwater and its lasting impact on American politics. This was followed by "Nixonland: The Rise of a President and the Fracturing of America" in 2008, which delves into the tumultuous era of Richard Nixon's presidency. In 2014, Perlstein released "The Invisible Bridge: The Fall of Nixon and the Rise of Reagan", examining the transition from Nixon to Reagan. His most recent work, "Reaganland: America's Right Turn 1976-1980", published in 2020, continues this exploration of the conservative ascendancy.
Impact and Legacy
Rick Perlstein's impact on the field of political history is profound. His meticulous research and engaging prose have brought to life the complexities of American political transformations, making them accessible to a wide audience. Perlstein's work has not only informed readers about the past but has also provided insights into the present political landscape. His ability to connect historical events with contemporary issues has made his books essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the roots of modern American politics.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Rick Perlstein is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to articulate the nuances of political change in America. His work is frequently cited by scholars, journalists, and political commentators who seek to understand the historical context of current events. Perlstein's narratives offer a comprehensive view of the forces that have shaped the American political landscape, making his insights invaluable to those studying the evolution of political ideologies and movements. His books serve as a crucial resource for understanding the dynamics of power, culture, and ideology in the United States, ensuring that his contributions to historical discourse will be remembered for years to come.
Quotes by Rick Perlstein
Rick Perlstein's insights on:
One does not hold a conversation with him. One holds a symposium. – Elizabeth Drew.
Scranton describing Sen. Robert A. Taft’s conservatism as compared to Goldwater’s said Taft was “a conservative in the truest sense of the word. He sought to conserve all the human values that have been carried down to us on a long stream of American history. He saw history as the foundation on which a better future might be built, not a Technicolor fantasy behind which the problems of the present might be concealed.
Americans prefer to isolate villains who despoil a preexisting innocence, rather than admit that there might not have been any innocence there in the first place.
When the people who felt like losers united around their shared psychological sense of grievance, their enemies felt somehow more overwhelming, not less;.
In these difficult years, America has suffered from a fever of words: from inflated rhetoric that promises more than it can deliver; from angry rhetoric that fans discontents into hatreds; from bombastic rhetoric that postures instead of persuading.
Ive summarized dozens of books in my literary career; its become rather second nature.
Imagine a senator running for president whose positions included halving the military budget, socializing the medical system, re-regulating the communications and electrical industries, establishing a guaranteed minimum income for all Americans, and equalizing funding for all schools regardless of property valuations - and who promised to fire Alan Greenspan, counseled withdrawal from the World Trade Organization, and, for good measure, spoke warmly of adolescent sexual experimentation. That was Barry Goldwater, conservative.