To this refreshing, provocative volume, veteran historian Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones brings a lifetime’s knowledge and thought. In a sprightly assault on the conventional wisdom, he demonstrates with a wonderfully eclectic range of examples the effectiveness of the American left and its central role in the shaping of modern American life.

Michael Heale, Lancaster University

Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones has written a splendidly provocative study with insights on nearly every page. Anyone who cares about the tangled but consequential history of American radicalism and reform should read this book.

Michael Kazin, author of American Dreamers: How the Left Changed a Nation and editor of Dissent

The American Left provides a sweeping overview of the American leftwing and socialist tradition since the late 19th century. It compellingly argues that progressives should cease to dismiss its importance. Instead they should acknowledge its ties with and enormous influence on American progressives. It shows that the American left has made a large contribution to the American Welfare State, changes in social policy and has often been a model for left of centre movements abroad. The committee was unanimous in awarding the prize.

- Tom Packer, Chair of the Prize Committee, The American Politics Group - Richard Neustadt Book Prize 2013