By far the most interesting book I've read in a *long* time, Morone's _Hellfire Nation_ examines the 200+ years of America's history, but takes a wholly different approach from the norm; instead of seeing the early Puritan settlements as an anomaly that would gradually fade as history progressed, he cites the Puritanistic "us versus them" outlook of morality as being an integral part of most of American history.

And yes, this is a very refreshing and fascinating way in which to view history. Morone's basic thesis is that a) "popular" American morality is frequently cited as the only thing that can protect "us" from "them," whether "they" are blacks, the Irish, Jews, et cetera, and b) that this emphasis on those frightening Un-Americans is what fuels "moral fanaticism," like prohibition, Comstockery, the VD/social hygiene movement, c) and from this, laws are put into place which persist long after their spawning social movements have died down, leaving them in the hand of fanatics. The thesis doesn't just hold up; it *thrives*, adequately explaining many facets of much of American moral history, and while Morone's constant repetition of the final point stated above (that fanaticism eventually dies down, leading a select few to continue its legacy to the detriment of a no-longer-incensed society) becomes a bit wearisome, it really does show how *well* so many social events fit into this pattern.

Verdict? Yes, Morone's clearly "biased," if one must use that term, to a classical liberal side of things (i.e. don't expect any sympathy for Jim Crow here), yet he is certainly open-minded, wondering for example how prohibition would have turned out if its emphasis had been on the positive nature of sobriety instead of punishing and routing bootleggers (he has similar semi-misgivings about the social hygiene movement's relentless pursuit of prostitutes). But that doesn't dimish Hellfire Nation's power. If you have a passing interest in the intersection of morality and society, you must give this one a shot!

Morone presents an intriguing view of American politics in "Hellfire Nation" (an appropriate follow up to his previous book, "The Democratic Wish").
The book is a unique look at the history of America, which expounds the moral fervor that has ignited the fiercest social conflicts and engendered major social movments.
"For better and for worse, moral conflicts made America," says Morone.
At the end, Morone presents an insightful and inspiring call to a different type of moral politics (which was unfortunately misunderstood by Garrow in his New York Times review).
This book is recommended to those interested in attaining a better understanding of American politics and our post 9/11 world.

Hellfire Nation is the best book I have ever read! And I love how Professor Morone drives the crowd wild with his tight black jeans, black sneakers, crazy ties and red shirts. We love you Professor Morone!