The Glory and the Dream
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Founder | William Manchester |
| Products | Social history book |
The Glory and the Dream: A Narrative History of America, 1932–1972 is an extensive 1,400-page social history work authored by William Manchester, initially released in 1974. Commonly published in two separate volumes, it chronicles the history of the United States from 1932 through 1972.
Content
This volume explores both social dynamics and political transformations, highlighting the influence of the New Deal, Second World War, and Cold War on American society. It particularly underscores the significance of Roosevelt's New Deal and its lasting effects on the structure of U.S. governance. Manchester presents intricate Cold War issues in a manner that is clear and approachable.
The book’s title takes inspiration from a line in William Wordsworth's poem "Ode: Intimations of Immortality": "Whither is fled the visionary gleam? / Where is it now, the glory and the dream?"
Release and reception
In 1975, The Glory and the Dream achieved status as a New York Times bestseller. Michael Aitken, writing for The Scotsman, characterized it as "a colossal piece of nostalgia" that reflects on American ideals.
Additionally, the work was rendered into Chinese by translator Dong Leshan.