A review of Strange But True America by John Hafnor. An excerpt from Made in America: A Social History of American Culture and Character by Claude S. Fischer. The essence of anarchy: Sean Wilentz on America's long, sordid affair with nullification. From our cold, dead hands: America's gun culture is a symptom of its deep political malaise. Why we should worry about political violence: A review of American Homicide by Randolph Roth. In a contest for most awful political culture, it’s heartening to see that state spirit rings so strong from sea to shining sea. A Tale of Two Cities: Washington and Hollywood, both tone-deaf to American attitudes. American Bling: Stefany Anne Golberg on the dreamworld of America's shiny, sparkly aesthetic. An article on the curse of bigness — or business as usual in America

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