Fault Lines by Kevin M. Kruse and Julian E. Zelizer

 

FAULT LINES by Kevin M. Kruse and Julian E. Zelizer chronicles “A History of the United States Since 1974.”  The authors, two Princeton professors, have written extensively about trends and movements in America (see One Nation Under God or Rightward Bound, for example).  They contend that since Watergate, the United States has actually faced increased divisiveness, especially politically, due in large measure to "multiple forces" such as changes in media, economic uncertainty, the actions (or inaction) of national leadership, and even to Supreme Court decisions. FAULT LINES could clearly be an undergraduate text since it provides an overview of over four decades of American history.  It’s lengthy – but at 428 pages, that’s barely 10 pages for major events of each year – and history students will need to turn to other resources for a more nuanced and detailed look at these historic events. 

In any case, this is a work that is guaranteed to spark debate and discussion – as evidenced by Barton Swaim’s rather negative review in The Wall Street Journal and the starred review from Library Journal. You can decide for yourself and explore its take on critical issues associated with politics, the economy, race, and gender/sexuality since FAULT LINES will be on our shelves soon.