[lbo-talk] Why Richard Hofstadter Is Still Worth Reading

[Jesse Lemisch]

What in the world does Doug think H's condemnation of "paranoia" is, if not
an expression of disapproval of movements from below? Many on this list have
cited the relevant works that put Hofstadter in context and supersede him.
It's sad that a worthy left intellectual like Doug should be so attached to
yesterday's news in history, though it's a common problem. I'd love to cite
Charles Beard on the Constitution, but somehow what's happened since 1913
has lessened my desire to romanticize him.

Jesse Lemisch

----- Original Message -----
From: "Doug Henwood" <dhenwood at panix.com>
To: <lbo-talk at lbo-talk.org>
Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 5:06 PM
Subject: Re: [lbo-talk] Why Richard Hofstadter Is Still Worth Reading


>
> On Oct 10, 2006, at 4:51 PM, Jesse Lemisch wrote:
>
> >  This offers the
> > possibility that mass movements from below might be seen more
> > optimistically
> > than Hofstadter and his gang saw them.
>
> How did he view them? I've just read 5 of his books, and I didn't
> detect the kind of fear and loathing you're attributing to him.
> Please quote me some material.
>
> Doug
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