2007-09-23 Eloquent, subtle, eye-opening

At a time of spasmodic anti-Americanism - no matter the issue, polite British society can usually be relied upon to concur against the USA with everyone from Iran to Russia, allying themselves around the dinner table with those who would happily decapitate them before the After Eights are served - this book is even more of a bracing, provocative read than usual. D'Souza works through a number of central issues or facets of America and the nation state, each time carefully illuminating the truly unique and unprecedented experiment (and success) in individual liberty and collective prosperity that is America.

This is no polemic. He explains and explores the arguments against our US cousins; then like the fairy tale wolf, he gently puffs upon them, and they (generally) fall to pieces before our very eyes. Finally a simple, logical, factual counter-argument is advanced. This process is extraordinarily enjoyable. The book is not to be hated by would-be elitists, who cannot abide the thought of a pro-American tract; it is to be embraced by anyone, no matter how hostile, who values the rigour and intellectual challenge this represents.

Top stuff.