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ABSOLUTELY AMERICAN
by Lipsky, David
- Used
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
New York: N, 2003. Four Years at West Point. Pp. xvi+318(last blank), 16 plates, bibliography, med. 8vo; quarter cloth, fore-corners a trifle bruised; dust wrapper; top edge of leaves a trifle soiled; Houghton Mifflin Company, New York, 2003. Second impression.
Synopsis
Lipsky, a Rolling Stone writer and an award-winning novelist, chronicles daily life at the U.S. Military Academy during the most tumultuous period in its history. In 1998, West Point made David Lipsky an unprecedented offer: stay at the Academy as long as you like, go wherever you wish, talk to whomever you want, to discover why some of America's most promising young people sacrifice so much to become cadets. Lipsky followed one cadet class into mess halls, barracks, classrooms, bars, and training exercises, from arrival through graduation. By telling their stories, he also examines the Academy as a reflection of our society: Are its principles of equality, patriotism, and honor quaint anachronisms or is it still, as Theodore Roosevelt called it, the most "absolutely American" institution? During arguably the most eventful four years in West Point's history, Lipsky witnesses the arrival of TVs and phones in dorm rooms, the end of hazing, and innumerable other shifts in policy and practice known collectively as The Changes. He uncovers previously unreported scandals and poignantly evokes the aftermath of September 11, when cadets must prepare to become officers in wartime. Absolutely American spotlights a remarkable ensemble of characters: a former Eagle Scout who struggles with every facet of the program, from classwork to marching; a foul-mouthed party animal who hates the military and came to West Point to play football; a farm-raised kid who seems to be the perfect soldier, despite his affection for the early work of Georgia O’Keeffe; and an exquisitely turned-out female cadet who aspires to "a career in hair and nails" after the Army. These cadets and their classmates are transformed in fascinating, sometimes astonishing, ways by one of America's most mythologized and least understood challenges. Many of them thrive under the rigorous regimen; others battle endlessly just to survive it. A few give up the fight altogether. Lipsky's extensive experience covering college students for Rolling Stone helped him gain an exceptional degree of trust and candor from both cadets and administrators. They offer frank insights on drug use, cheating, romance, loyalty, duty, patriotism, and the Army's tortuous search for meaning as new threats loom.
Reviews
On Oct 10 2022, a reader said:
Absolutely American is “uncommonly good” as the author’s journey took a surprising turn and he ended up writing about the real and emotional challenges of USMA cadets (who were ultimately impacted by 9/11). Your preconceived notions of West Point should be challenged after reading this book (though note that hazing has nearly been eradicated in the decades after this publication). Absolutely American is about youth going to college - but a school that demands so much more from them, as they will go on to help protect, and possibly fight, for America’s freedom.
I loved the author’s honesty in sharing his personal biases and the unlocking of his rigidity against all things military. His voice gave this book authenticity and a place of pride in written history.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller
(AU)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 104504
- Title
- ABSOLUTELY AMERICAN
- Author
- Lipsky, David
- Book Condition
- Used
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Publisher
- N
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Date Published
- 2003
Terms of Sale
Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller
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About the Seller
Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller
Biblio member since 2022
Melbourne, Victoria
About Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller
The bookshop has an impressive but informal salon style and an open-door policy. It is situated in the heart of Melbourne's premier street and is hailed as one of Australia's best bookshops.
Browsers are always welcome, and we are happy to provide personal service when required, including assistance in the selection of gifts for all occasions.
Browsers are always welcome, and we are happy to provide personal service when required, including assistance in the selection of gifts for all occasions.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Leaves
- Very generally, "leaves" refers to the pages of a book, as in the common phrase, "loose-leaf pages." A leaf is a single sheet...
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