The Contours of American Politics: An Introduction

‘Jon Roper's elegant book about aspects of American political culture should prove accessible to students encountering American politics for the first time at university whilst also challenging more advanced students. Well-grounded in an understanding of American film and literature, this intelligent text provides an enjoyable and thoughtful account of the social contexts of American government and politics' Nigel Bowles, St Anne's College, Oxford

‘Jon Roper's treatment of American politics stands as refreshingly different from the standard textbook on this subject. Roper has creatively integrated the essentials of the US political system with the persistent influence of the American historical experience and the often-overlooked impact of American cultural tensions.
From his clever Huckleberry Finn metaphors to his invocation of images from classic American films, Roper has produced a readable and thoughtful text, one which reflects an awareness of the reader as well as a solid scholarly foundation. He is at his finest when reminding readers that current debates in domestic and foreign policy take place not in a vacuum, but in a vibrant historical and cultural context' Harold Molineu, Department of Political Science, Ohio University

"Roper has produced a lively and entertaining book which not only covers all the essential factual detail needed for a student text but also provides fresh insight for the specialist as well". Michael Boyle. International Relations Theory.

"There is much to admire in Roper's interpretation...Roper writes well; the book never fails to sustain reader interest" Richard M. Merelman, Political Science Quarterly