A compelling historical account with powerful insights into the intricate political landscape of the Nixon years
The Time of Illusion meticulously examines the nation's political life, key events, and presidential activities, revealing a logic and meaning that were elusive at the time. Through detailed analysis and insightful commentary, Jonathan Schell offers a fresh perspective on one of the most turbulent periods in American history, making sense of the chaos and uncovering the underlying patterns that shaped the era.
"A thoughtful and deservedly acclaimed meditation on the decade which, in 1974, 'finally brought the American Constitutional system to the edge of breakdown'."
Foreign Affairs
"The remarkable achievements of this book are its fairness, its attention to details, and its capacity to put the bewildering complexities of these years into some kind of meaningful historical perspective. Schell, at thirty-two, has avoided the usual partisan and political pitfalls. He has an eye for the illuminating incident, the patience of a scholar, and the gift of clear and muscular prose. If there is a better or more thoughtful and compassionate book on this whole bewildering tragedy, I don't know what it is."
James Reston, Martha's Vineyard Gazette
"By persuasively connecting the Nixon years to the larger dilemmas of our time, Mr. Schell has elevated a shabby political story to the level of tragedy. And one closes his deeply intelligent book not with feelings of vindication or outrage, but with a sense of understanding and equanimity that only tragedy can evoke."
A compelling historical account with powerful insights into the intricate political landscape of the Nixon years
The Time of Illusion meticulously examines the nation's political life, key events, and presidential activities, revealing a logic and meaning that were elusive at the time. Through detailed analysis and insightful commentary, Jonathan Schell offers a fresh perspective on one of the most turbulent periods in American history, making sense of the chaos and uncovering the underlying patterns that shaped the era.
Praise
"A thoughtful and deservedly acclaimed meditation on the decade which, in 1974, 'finally brought the American Constitutional system to the edge of breakdown'."
Foreign Affairs
"The remarkable achievements of this book are its fairness, its attention to details, and its capacity to put the bewildering complexities of these years into some kind of meaningful historical perspective. Schell, at thirty-two, has avoided the usual partisan and political pitfalls. He has an eye for the illuminating incident, the patience of a scholar, and the gift of clear and muscular prose. If there is a better or more thoughtful and compassionate book on this whole bewildering tragedy, I don't know what it is."
James Reston, Martha's Vineyard Gazette
"By persuasively connecting the Nixon years to the larger dilemmas of our time, Mr. Schell has elevated a shabby political story to the level of tragedy. And one closes his deeply intelligent book not with feelings of vindication or outrage, but with a sense of understanding and equanimity that only tragedy can evoke."
