Are We Rome?

The Fall of an Empire and the Fate of America

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, Foreign Legal Systems, History, Ancient History, Rome, Government
Cover of the book Are We Rome? by Cullen Murphy, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
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Author: Cullen Murphy ISBN: 9780547527079
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publication: May 5, 2008
Imprint: Mariner Books Language: English
Author: Cullen Murphy
ISBN: 9780547527079
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication: May 5, 2008
Imprint: Mariner Books
Language: English

What went wrong in imperial Rome, and how we can avoid it: “If you want to understand where America stands in the world today, read this.” —Thomas E. Ricks

The rise and fall of ancient Rome has been on American minds since the beginning of our republic. Depending on who’s doing the talking, the history of Rome serves as either a triumphal call to action—or a dire warning of imminent collapse.

In this “provocative and lively” book, Cullen Murphy points out that today we focus less on the Roman Republic than on the empire that took its place, and reveals a wide array of similarities between the two societies (The New York Times). Looking at the blinkered, insular culture of our capitals; the debilitating effect of bribery in public life; the paradoxical issue of borders; and the weakening of the body politic through various forms of privatization, Murphy persuasively argues that we most resemble Rome in the burgeoning corruption of our government and in our arrogant ignorance of the world outside—two things that must be changed if we are to avoid Rome’s fate.

Are We Rome? is just about a perfect book. . . . I wish every politician would spend an evening with this book.” —James Fallows

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

What went wrong in imperial Rome, and how we can avoid it: “If you want to understand where America stands in the world today, read this.” —Thomas E. Ricks

The rise and fall of ancient Rome has been on American minds since the beginning of our republic. Depending on who’s doing the talking, the history of Rome serves as either a triumphal call to action—or a dire warning of imminent collapse.

In this “provocative and lively” book, Cullen Murphy points out that today we focus less on the Roman Republic than on the empire that took its place, and reveals a wide array of similarities between the two societies (The New York Times). Looking at the blinkered, insular culture of our capitals; the debilitating effect of bribery in public life; the paradoxical issue of borders; and the weakening of the body politic through various forms of privatization, Murphy persuasively argues that we most resemble Rome in the burgeoning corruption of our government and in our arrogant ignorance of the world outside—two things that must be changed if we are to avoid Rome’s fate.

Are We Rome? is just about a perfect book. . . . I wish every politician would spend an evening with this book.” —James Fallows

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