In this lively and provocative synthesis, distinguished historian Glen Jeansonne explores the people and events that shaped America in the decades since World War II. Comprehensive in scope, A Time of Paradox offers a balanced look at the political, diplomatic, social and cultural developments of the post-war period, while focusing on the diverse and sometimes contradictory human experiences that characterized this dynamic era.

Designed with the student in mind, this cogent text provides the most up to date analysis available, offering insight into the divisive election of 2004, the War on Terror and the Gulf Coast hurricanes. Substantive biographies on figures ranging from Jackie Robinson to Madonna give students a more personalized view of the men and women who influenced American society over the last half century.

A Time of Paradox has its strength not only in its excellent scholarship but in presenting both sides of the many conflicting issues besetting our American democracy since 1945. -- Robert M. Spector, Worcester State College
Glen Jeansonne has captured the trauma, tragedy, and excitement of the . . . American experience in a clear and balanced style. He has written an important book that will be a major asset in any U.S. history course. -- Patrick W. Steele, Wisconsin Lutheran College
A majestic narrative . . . crafted by a superb historian at the peak of his career. Written with equal parts passion, wit, and humility, this book will engage and delight all students of American History. -- Kari Frederickson, director, Summersell Center for the Study of the South, University of Alabama
A Time of Paradox is a colorful and engaging account of the post-World War II years. With its lively prose and thematic focus, it reads as much like a reflective essay as a traditional textbook treatment of the period. Glen Jeansonne does a creative job of crafting a topical organization within a rough chronological framework as he points to the contradictions in postwar American society. Vivid profiles of such figures as Jackie Robinson, Janis Joplin, and Madonna enliven his account and give a sense of the cultural rifts complementing political issues. -- Allan M. Winkler, Miami University emeritus and OAH distinguished lecturer

Glen Jeansonne is professor of history at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He is the author of Women of the Far Right: The Mothers' Movement and World War II, Transformation and Reaction: America, 1921–1945 and Gerald L. K. Smith: Minister of Hate.