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The Age of Anxiety

McCarthyism to Terrorism

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The Age of Anxiety

By: Haynes Johnson
Narrated by: Kristoffer Tabori
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About this listen

 For five long years in the 1950s, Senator Joseph McCarthy and his anti-Communist crusade dominated the American scene, terrified politicians, and destroyed the lives of thousands of our citizens. In this masterful history, Haynes Johnson re-creates that time of crisis, of President Eisenhower, who hated McCarthy but would not attack him; of the Republican senators who cynically used McCarthy to win their own elections; of Edward R. Murrow, whose courageous TV broadcast began McCarthy's downfall; and of mild-mannered lawyer Joseph Welch, who finally shamed McCarthy into silence.

Johnson tells this monumental story through the lens of its relevance to our own time, when fear again affects American behavior and attitudes, for he believes now, as then, that our civil liberties, our Constitution, and our nation are at stake as we confront the ever more difficult task of balancing the need for national security with that of personal liberty.

Compelling narrative history, insightful political commentary, and intimate personal remembrance combine to make The Age of Anxiety a vitally important book for our time.

©2005 Haynes Johnson (P)2005 HighBridge Company Americas Elections & Political Process Freedom & Security Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government United States War & Crisis World Dwight Eisenhower War Vietnam War National Security George W. Bush American Foreign Policy

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Critic reviews

"Pulitzer-winning journalist Johnson (The Best of Times) offers an engrossing account of the career of red-baiting demagogue Joseph McCarthy and a chilling description of his legacy for today." (Publishers Weekly)
All stars
Most relevant  
In light of the political climate of today I was interested to read about the cancellation of those accused of Communism during the McCarthy era. A very frightening time and initiated by one failing man and his desire to become part of the elite. He tossed many to the wolves through lies and insinuation until eventually someone had the backbone to challenge him for actual proof. You would think that we would learn from past historical mistakes but sadly it seems we have not. Well narrated

Informative

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The story is fascinating, if its not already a movie it should be. Its a very well researched book but without allowing the details from detracting from the story.

One of the best audiobooks I have ever listened to

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What made the experience of listening to The Age of Anxiety the most enjoyable?

the whole story is top class.It is illuminating to look in on one of the most shocking abuses of political power in recent times.It is beautifully balanced and free of the usual party politics and ideology of a lot of the media these days

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Age of Anxiety?

It is hard to pick out a particular moment as it all flows so wellBut i guess i would pick out the revelation that Joe never had any evidence at all and as such could not pass any information to the relevant authorities.It was all pure bluff and obfuscation on the part of a vicious hectoring bully

Which scene did you most enjoy?

It is yet again hard to pick one particular scene but one can certainly say they are glad that he metaphorically hung himself

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes it was but it wasn't quite possible.If this was in paper form it would certainly be described as hard to put down

Any additional comments?

this story is still so relevant to today and the given a free abuses of unchecked power especially given our age of fear and seeming trial by media.It shows why there must be judicial checks and balance and not to give to much power in just one man as none of us are able to completely curb ourselves if we are given a free reign
The relatively sombre tones of the narrator works well on such a works as it lets the story stand for itself

a virtual page turner

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