American Beyond Our Grandest Notions

From Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC'sHardballand NBC'sThe Chris Matthews Show, andNew York Timesbestselling author ofNow, Let Me Tell You What I Really Think, comes a definitive work on the lifeblood of America -- its enduring spirit.People have often wondered what makes America truly great. With a citizenry of vastly different races, religions, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds, what intangible bond unites and defines us as "Americans"?In his own inimitable style, Chris Matthews offers a portrait of a country born of contradictions. We are a people reluctant to fight, who become ferocious when threatened or attacked. We are a deeply practical nation, yet we stand as the world's great optimists. Inherently suspicious of governmental power, we still embrace our flag in times of danger. Fiercely independent, in love with freedom, and eager to face the future, we are like no other people on earth.Matthews asserts that our greatest strength is a set of distinct notions that comprise our national character. The self-made man. The reluctant warrior. The lone hero. We celebrate them in our popular culture and throughout our history, from 1776 to 9/11. InAmerican, Matthews explores the best America stands for and portrays our country as a beacon for the modern world -- unafraid of challenges, moving ever forward, and ready and willing to prevail.

Chris Matthews is host and anchor of MSNBC's Hardball and star of the NBC-syndicated The Chris Matthews Show. A veteran of fifteen years with the San Francisco Examiner and Chronicle, he was a speechwriter for President Jimmy Carter and senior aide to Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill, Jr., former U.S. Speaker of the House. Matthews is the New York Times bestselling author of Now, Let Me Tell You What I Really Think, as well as the classics Hardball and Kennedy & Nixon. Matthews lives with his wife, Kathleen Matthews, news anchor for the ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C., and their three children in Chevy Chase, Maryland