Affairs of State

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“In this major new history, the author explores the changes caused by the Civil War and the impact of politics, law, and government upon the new social and economic order… In a highly original chapter defining the new status of groups in the industrialized nation, Professor Keller discusses the barriers to women’s rights; how old assumptions of black racial inferiority were bolstered by scientific racism; the forced movement for Indian assimilation, and the fluid relationships of families and marriage.”—Herbert Mitgang, The New York Times

“Absolutely first-class—broadly informed, beautifully written, by all odds the best history of modern American politics that is presently available. An indispensable book.”—The New Republic

“Keller’s purpose is to evoke the complex character of America’s public experience; its electoral politics, political thought, legal doctrines, and judicial behavior; its public policies; and the scope and reach of national, state, and local institutions… This is a remarkable book. There is nothing quite like it anywhere else… Keller has given new dimension to the politics of the last third of the nineteenth century.”—Joel H. Silbey, Journal of Interdisciplinary History

“A masterly and insightful analysis of the public life of Americans in the post–Civil War era.”—David Rothman