Hope and History

A Memoir of Tumultuous Times

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Pub Date 15 May 2019 | Archive Date 15 May 2019

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Description

Hope and History is both a memoir and a call-to-action for the renewal of faith in democracy and America. US Ambassador William J. vanden Heuvel presents his most important public speeches and writings, compiled and presented over eight decades of adventure and public service, woven together with anecdotes of his colorful life as a second-generation American, a soldier, a lawyer, a political activist, and a diplomat. He touches upon themes that resonate as much today as they did when he first encountered them: the impact of heroes and mentors; the tragedy of the Vietnam War; the problems of racism and desegregation in America; tackling the crisis in America's prisons; America and the Holocaust; and the plight and promise of the United Nations. Along the way, he allows us to share his journey with some of the great characters of American history: Eleanor Roosevelt, William J. "Wild Bill" Donovan, President John F. Kennedy and RFK, Harry S. Truman, and Jimmy Carter.

Throughout, vanden Heuvel persuades us that there is still room for optimism in public life. He shows how individuals, himself among them, have tackled some of America's most intractable domestic and foreign policy issues with ingenuity and goodwill, particularly under the leadership of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and those who sought and still seek to follow in his footsteps. He is not afraid to challenge the hatred and bigotry that are an unfortunate but undeniable part of the American fabric. He exhorts us to embrace all the challenges and opportunities that life in the United States can offer.

Hope and History is both a memoir and a call-to-action for the renewal of faith in democracy and America. US Ambassador William J. vanden Heuvel presents his most important public speeches and...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781501738173
PRICE $28.95 (USD)
PAGES 296

Average rating from 3 members


Featured Reviews

I was given access to this book by NetGalley to provide an honest review. An amazing account from someone that has lived through all of the terrible and great moments of the last 90 years. What drew me to this books was the cover with RFK. As a extremely passionate RFK fan, I was excited to see he was featured as a large part of a chapter. vanden Heuvel brilliantly entwines his law background into the substance of the book, which in my option adds an extra dimension besides the fact that he was present for so many of the moments in the book. This is a must read for anyone that is interested in history or wants a first hand point of view on many of the 20th century events. Thank you, Ambassador, for this amazing book!

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This is a wonderfully written book. Many of the issues discussed in this book are still relevant today. It was interesting to see how the political leaders of yesterday still have something to teach the political leaders of today. If you're looking for a moving, relevant, and thought provoking political read, this ones for you.

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This book was so well written. I devoured it in a day. Anyone interested in RFK should read this book, but it would also appear to any history buff. I would definitely recommend it to friends.

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