An Autumn of War: What America Learned from September 11 and the War on Terrorism: Amazon.ca: Victor Hanson: Books

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From Publishers Weekly

"Why do they hate us?" is the wrong question to ask after September 11, writes Hanson; war and tragedy are to be expected, as the ancients knew. Hanson's classicism informs this collection of essays that appeared mostly on National Review Online, presented here chronologically, from September (when, he argues, "we had no choice but to counterattack long and hard") through December 2001, when he considers the implications of that counterattack. Liberals beware: Hanson has no patience for these who believe the condition of the world can be ameliorated. (On sale Aug. 13)
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Hanson, classics professor at California State University at Fresno, writes a biweekly column for National Review Online. The terrorist attacks of September 11 prompted him to compose a series of essays, which appeared in various newspapers and magazines, covering that "landmark event in American history, if not the most calamitous day in our nation's 225 years." He now puts those essays together in book form as a "record of emerging events" as they were happening. Hanson nimbly and assuredly discusses such provocative topics as "class as an indicator of America's differing political responses to September 11" and the fact that "the misery of the Middle East" is not "simply a result of widespread failure to adapt free institutions, democracy, [and] open markets." No one can draw complete, definite conclusions about September 11 and the subsequent war against terrorism without carefully considering the ideas articulately explored here. Brad Hooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt

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5.0 out of 5 stars His writings "ring true!", Mar 25 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: An Autumn of War: What America Learned from September 11 and the War on Terrorism (Paperback)

Victor Davis Hanson combines the historical perspective of the scholar with the practical, down to earth experiences of the common man. [He's a classical historian and a farmer.] The result is a narrative that "rings true." His book helped me come to terms with what is happening in our world because I understand better the thinking and motivations of the players. He answers the questions - why is terrorism happening?, and why are we doing what we're doing to defeat it? He gave me a clearer understanding of the beliefs of the Islamic Fundamentalist Fascists, what is at stake for our society and why we need to protect and defend our way of life. He also reminded me of the goodness in our country - of the values including: integrity, moral courage, fairness, respect, responsibility, compassion which we hold dear. While our country isn't perfect, he again reminded me that there's no place else I would want to live. I shared his book with members of a book club I belong to, and one person said, "If the administration had made the case for defending ourselves like Mr. Hanson did, I would have had a greater understanding and appreciation for the actions our country has taken since 9/11." I purchased a second copy of this book so I could pass it around to book club members, church members and friends. It is truly an OUTSTANDING book!!!!!

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5.0 out of 5 stars Profound collection of essays after 9-11, Mar 8 2004

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"greeshulik" (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Autumn of War: What America Learned from September 11 and the War on Terrorism (Paperback)

Wow, this book was something else. Powerful and full of insight, Hanson offers a unique perspective on American situation after 9-11. What he eloquently expresses in this narrative is what many Americans feel inside but rarely hear from the media or academia. I strongly recommend this book to anyone, although those inhabiting liberal politically correct sensibilities might themselves appalled (a fact that makes this read ever-so more enjoyable). What if America reacted the same way the did in 1941 as they did in 2001? This book offers a couple of parodies that show today's reaction absurd. Hanson documents some people's responses to 9-11 that will make most sick. This account speaks with clarity and resolve in addressing what the US much now do. A great read, one that is hard to put down!

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5.0 out of 5 stars Rare first impression history, Jan 18 2004

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T. G. Laufer "Is that you John Wayne?" (Annapolis MD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: An Autumn of War: What America Learned from September 11 and the War on Terrorism (Paperback)

Today, with all the arguments for and aghinst the war in Iraq, on the eve of the Iowa caucus where all the canidates can agree on is their lothing of the president we tend to lose sight of the horrible, and evil attack that claimed over 3,000 of our country men. Hanson's book is critical to see that the current self-hating attiude of America liberals is far deeper rooted than the current occupition of Iarq. Hanson wrote his work in real time, as we prepared to go into Afganistan and bring to justice those that are enemies not only to America and the west but to their own people as well; the greatest killer of muslims is muslims. Hanson hits this fact while also asking why we left Hussian in power to begin with, why we give the PLO-a terrioist organization-over 100 million a year to nation build and only see it spent aghinst Isreal. while reading this, I also picked up Richard Nixon's No More Vietnams, an intraging look at how we lost a war we should have won. Although, as another reviewer pointed out, Hanson tends to simplify the middle east (a much more complete view can be found in Benerad Lewis)and is a neocon, his book shows the seperation that is forming in America between the classes in how they view America and the world. as a senior in high school prepareing to enlist, I found that Mr Hanson's view of the world is simplistic; however, it is not wrong. what is worng are the self proclaimed humanists like Gore Vidal who apolgize for Bin Lidan, who make excueses for murders and who condemm those that seek to bring them to justice. So, for the readers who see it now, understand that the book is a look at a segment of the American psych in 2002 and, thus, is useful to learn about our national character and the willingness of America to use force. ($20 says the adminstration read this book:)

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Most recent customer reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars Racist and completely Western-centric
I'm a graduate student at Stanford University and was required to purchase and read this book in conjunction with a sociology class I'm taking. Read more

Published on Jan 14 2004 by Stephanie SIlva

5.0 out of 5 stars The best neo-conservative book on post-9/11
Always controversial, Hanson is always worth reading, whether you go with his conservative politics or not (and one should always try to read both sides of a debate - even Tom... Read more

Published on Sep 29 2003 by C. Catherwood