This “brilliantly written” look at the original meaning of the liberal philosophy has become a classic of political science (American Historical Review).

Winner of the Woodrow Wilson Foundation Award

As the word “liberal” has been misused and its meaning diluted in recent decades, this study of American political thought since the Revolution is a valuable look at the “liberal tradition” that has been central to US history.

Louis Hartz, who taught government at Harvard, shows how individual liberty, equality, and capitalism have been the values at the root of liberalism—and offers enlightening historical context that reminds us of America’s unique place and important role in the world.

“Lively and thought-provoking… Fascinating reading.” —The Review of Politics

Includes an introduction by Tom Wicker