An engaging collection of essays focusing on American veterans.
War and American Life is a book of essays and reflections by celebrated historian and former marine James Wright, who has been active as an advocate, teacher, and scholar. Featuring both previously published pieces and new essays, the book considers veterans in America and the ways in which our society needs better to understand who they are and what they have done on the nation's behalf--and the responsibilities that follow this recognition.
"Jim Wright presents a fascinating blend of history and personal reflection that reminds us of the human costs of war and of our responsibilities as citizens to support those who serve for us. A timely and very readable book."
--George W. Casey, Jr., General, U.S. Army (Retired)"This book is critical reading for anyone who wants to understand what it means to be a United States citizen today. Wright possesses a deep historical consciousness, a gift for narrative, a sophisticated analysis of modern civilian and military relations, and a powerfully humanistic knowledge of the suffering of war. Marvelous, incisive, and fascinating work from a historian of great moral seriousness, and great emotional sensitivity."
--Phil Klay, winner of the National Book Award for Fiction for his novel Redeployment