From Library Journal
Lipset's main thesis is that the differences between the United States and Canada can be traced to their founding. The United States, the revolutionary nation, was founded on the principles of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." In contrast, the "Fathers of the Canadian Confederation" were seeking "peace, order, and good government." Lipset (political science and sociology, Stanford Univ.) focuses on the values of the two societies--the United States prizes individualism; Canada, collectivism. While the work is important as there have been no comparable efforts, it will appeal primarily to scholars.- Jeffrey Kraus, Wagner Coll., Staten Island, New YorkCopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
New York Times Book Review
"Continental Divide is welcome because in its quiet, carefully documented way it chips away at self-flattering illusions on both sides of the border . . . There is a lesson in this for those pessimists who think that cultural differences will be obliterated in the global village. For more than a century, America and Canada have proved just how enduring the narcissism of minor difference can be."
Toronto Globe and Mail
"Lipset has written a challenging book . . . a comprehensive and incisive analysis . . .."
Northrop Frye, University of Toronto
"One of the finest books ever to appear on the subject, Continental Divide explores how differing social mythologies give rise to contrasting sets of values, and therefore to differences in lifestyles and institutions, in the United States and Canada. It is hard to say which is more fascinating, the book's ongoing historical argument or the arresting facts and statistics that appear on nearly every page."
New York Review of Books
"Professor Lipset has given us a splendid account of where we are and a guide to our possible futures."
Book Description
Seymour Martin Lipset's highly acclaimed work explores the distinctive character of American and Canadian values and institutions. Lipset draws material from a number of sources: historical accounts, critical interpretations of art, aggregate statistics and survey data, as well as studies of law, religion and government. Drawing a vivid portrait of the two countries, Continental Divide represents some of the best comparative social and political research being done today.
About the Author
Seymour Martin Lipset teaches at George Mason University.
Continental Divide: The Values and Institutions of the United States and Canada FROM THE PUBLISHER
Seymour Martin Lipset's highly acclaimed work explores the distinctive character of American and Canadian values and institutions. Lipset draws material from a number of sources: historical accounts, critical interpretations of art, aggregate statistics and survey data,
as well as studies of law, religion and government. Drawing a vivid portrait of the two countries, Continental Divide represents some of the best comparative social and political research being done today.
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
Lipset's main thesis is that the differences between the United States and Canada can be traced to their founding. The United States, the revolutionary nation, was founded on the principles of ``life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'' In contrast, the ``Fathers of the Canadian Confederation'' were seeking ``peace, order, and good government.'' Lipset (political science and sociology, Stanford Univ.) focuses on the values of the two societies--the United States prizes individualism; Canada, collectivism. While the work is important as there have been no comparable efforts, it will appeal primarily to scholars.-- Jeffrey Kraus, Wagner Coll., Staten Island, New York
Art & Photography
Book Info
