About the Author

Arthur Herman received his Ph.D. from the Johns Hopkins University. He has been professor of history at both George Mason and Georgetown Universities and is now Co-ordinator at the Smithsonian's Western Heritage Programme. His books include The Idea of Decline in Western History.

Reviews

'Herman's book tells an exciting story with gusto ... entertaining and illuminating.' Jenny Uglow, Sunday Times 'Stimulating. A work which deserves to be bought by any interested reader.' Noel Malcolm, Sunday Telegraph 'Compulsively readable.' Paul Henderson Scott, Sunday Herald 'Herman carries his thesis off with brio.' Arnold Kemp, Observer 'A sparkling book. Herman argues his case with an impressive accumulation of evidence.' New Statesman