The Roots of American Order

What holds America together? In this classic work, Russell Kirk describes the beliefs and institutions that have nurtured the American soul and commonwealth. Beginning with the Hebrew prophets, Kirk examines in dramatic fashion the sources of American order. His analytical narrative might be called "a tale of five cities": Jerusalem, Athens, Rome, London, and Philadelphia. For an understanding of the significance of America at the dawn of a new century, Russell Kirk's masterpiece on the history of American civilization is unsurpassable. This edition includes a new foreword by the distinguished historian Forrest McDonald.

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What They're Saying...

“The Roots of American Order is destined to be accorded a distinctive status…. Kirk is one of the few intellectuals with the breadth and depth of knowledge necessary to place the American experience in the broader historical perspective of our Judaic-Christian tradition."
— The Wall Street Journal

“[T]his is a most impressive affirmation of faith in American ideals and institutions.”
— Publishers Weekly

“[A]nyone who wishes to reflect and talk on the topic ‘America,’ and especially any Christian who wishes to do so, will do himself a favor if he reads Kirk’s book.”
— Christianity Today

“Kirk’s book is exactly what people need to read, and he has made it easy, even pleasurable, for them to do so.”
— Esquire