The American

IT IS a pleasure to find in the midst of numerous books acquainting us with other nationalities a book like The American, which acquaints us with ourselves. Reviewing our history in the light of the people who made and were made by America, Mr. Adams has found a certain unity in vast diversity, and this is the American. This “new man” is inspired by the American Dream — “the desire for land and the chance to rise.” This is the cocky, self-sufficient, isolationist fellow who dislikes authority and fights for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He is the man who opposes Communism on the one hand and special privilege on the other. He wants not equality of property but equality of opportunity. He is great-hearted, generous, hospitable, and yet lonely. It is a book worthy of its subject and one which, in extracting from history the elements which have shaped our national character, will help us and others to realize what we are and why.