The Collapse of Liberalism

Reviews / Votes

In his engaging and original critique, Noble examines why liberal/progressive leaders have, in recent years, lost their place at the helm of their natural constituencies and what can be done to remedy the problem. Publishers Weekly With fearsome erudition and mordant wit, Professor Noble lays out the reasons why the progressive movement in the United States has lost its way so badly in the treacherous labyrinth of the two-party system, thereby betraying its own interests as well as the public's. In an era of open revolt against politics-as-usual and the eruption of new grassroots campaigning techniques inspired by the Internet, his book could not be more timely. It deserves to become a primer for all nascent political movements, in the United States and far beyond. -- Andrew Gumbel, The Independent Charles Noble has written a passionate, well-argued, and strongly documented volume about the need for progressive reform in America, the obstacles to such reform, and how to overcome them. In this beautifully written work, he confronts the failures of the Left and shows what it can and must do to help fashion a more just society. In the end, you may not agree with Noble, but you cannot ignore him. -- Edward S. Greenberg, University of Colorado, Boulder Well-written and provocative, this clear-headed and incisive guide for American progressives gives the political pendulum a healthy push from the left. -- Joel Blau, Stony Brook University You will want to argue with Noble, as I certainly did, but there is no denying that he has made a brilliant contribution to the understanding of our current political debacle. -- Frances Fox-Piven, The City University of New York