Wrestling with the Angel of Democracy: On Being an American Citizen

This is an essential text for anyone interesting in thinking deeply about democracy and the relationship between private and public life. Griffin's study is passionate and deeply reasoned, rigorously structured and open-ended. She allows you to consider paradoxes in the American historical canon. Her studies of Thomas Jefferson, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Roses Schneiderman and others are deeply perceptive. I recommend it highly to all who are willing, as Terry Tempest Williams writes, "to ask the tough questions and follow them with compassion." A brilliant book.

I have to agree that the Professor's review is specious - and mistaken. Griffin did indeed talk of just who "we, the people" were at this country's founding. She demonstrated her wit, intelligence, and deep knowledge of democracy. If you're curious about the radio interview in question, and Krazny the host is one of the best at his job, you can hear it at kqed.org/programs/radio/forum. It does serve as an engaging introduction to an important book.

This is an important book - one you can sink your teeth in. What a funny way to describe such a book. It is at the same time erudite and personal. Griffin brings democracy to life, reminds us what it was intended to be, what it might yet become. This book is exciting - it stirs up dreams and visions and shines a light on what it means to be conscious and democratic in our world. I love this book.