An Empire of Ideals

The Chimeric Imagination of Ronald Reagan

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, History & Theory, Government
Cover of the book An Empire of Ideals by Justin D. Garrison, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Justin D. Garrison ISBN: 9781136675751
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: March 5, 2013
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Justin D. Garrison
ISBN: 9781136675751
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: March 5, 2013
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Justin D. Garrison provides an original and groundbreaking analysis of Ronald Reagan’s imagination as it was expressed mainly in his presidential speeches. He argues that the predominant strain of Reagan’s imagination is "chimeric," that is, imbued with a high degree of optimism, romantic dreaminess, naiveté, and illusion.

Reagan spoke often about religion, democracy, freedom, conservatism, progress, America’s role in the world, the American people, the American Founding, and peace. These are for him important symbols, which together express his general vision of politics and human existence. These symbols have to be analyzed in depth in order to understand who Reagan really was and what he represented to his admirers. The book concludes that Reagan’s vision contains many dubious elements that present dangers for practical politics and claims that the popularity of Reagan’s imagination among Americans suggests a problematic self-understanding.

Surpassing, existing works on Reagan’s ideas and speeches, this book systematically explains the general quality and major components of Reagan’s vision, and it draws upon political theory, aesthetics, and American political thought to analyze his imagination.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Justin D. Garrison provides an original and groundbreaking analysis of Ronald Reagan’s imagination as it was expressed mainly in his presidential speeches. He argues that the predominant strain of Reagan’s imagination is "chimeric," that is, imbued with a high degree of optimism, romantic dreaminess, naiveté, and illusion.

Reagan spoke often about religion, democracy, freedom, conservatism, progress, America’s role in the world, the American people, the American Founding, and peace. These are for him important symbols, which together express his general vision of politics and human existence. These symbols have to be analyzed in depth in order to understand who Reagan really was and what he represented to his admirers. The book concludes that Reagan’s vision contains many dubious elements that present dangers for practical politics and claims that the popularity of Reagan’s imagination among Americans suggests a problematic self-understanding.

Surpassing, existing works on Reagan’s ideas and speeches, this book systematically explains the general quality and major components of Reagan’s vision, and it draws upon political theory, aesthetics, and American political thought to analyze his imagination.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book What's Wrong With Microphysicalism? by Justin D. Garrison
Cover of the book Ethnocide: A Cultural Narrative of Refugee Detention in Hong Kong by Justin D. Garrison
Cover of the book Designing Tall Buildings by Justin D. Garrison
Cover of the book Engaging Diverse College Alumni by Justin D. Garrison
Cover of the book Foreign Direct Investment and Regional Development in East Central Europe and the Former Soviet Union by Justin D. Garrison
Cover of the book This Ability by Justin D. Garrison
Cover of the book Rich Apparel by Justin D. Garrison
Cover of the book The Politics of International Political Economy by Justin D. Garrison
Cover of the book Intuition is not Enough by Justin D. Garrison
Cover of the book The Resonance of Emptiness by Justin D. Garrison
Cover of the book Americans with Disabilities by Justin D. Garrison
Cover of the book Australian Restitution Law by Justin D. Garrison
Cover of the book Tradition and Policy Perspectives in Kinship Care by Justin D. Garrison
Cover of the book The Literary Manuscripts and Letters of Hannah More by Justin D. Garrison
Cover of the book An Introduction to the Bible by Justin D. Garrison
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy