Not Like Us: How Europeans Have Loved, Hated, and Transformed American Culture Since World War II

by Richard H. Pells

Book Overview

Debunking the myth of the "Americanization" of Europe, a noted historian presents an authoritative and engrossing cultural history of how America tried to remake Europe in its own image, and how the Europeans successfully retained their identity in the face of American mass culture. Richard Pells provides a new paradigm for understanding the survival of local and national cultures in a global setting.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0465001637
• ISBN13: 9780465001637
• Release Date: April 1998
• Publisher: Basic Books
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

all encompassing

As a Texan who first moved to Europe at age 13 in 1961, Pell's book was like reading the story of my life. And yet it made me understand so many things that were always something of a conundrum (such as why the French looked down on everything American in general but adored the Kennedy's) to the sinister goings-on of the McCarthy era (they actually burned books considered subversive in American embassies abroad, such as "works by notorious radicals like Mark Twain and Theodore Dreiser"). I got this book because I wanted to have a better understanding of why the U.S. is where it is today, and it more than filled the bill, in an all-emcompassing way. Thank you, Mr. Pells.

Fascinating Read

For those not fortunate enough to attend Richard Pell's classes at the University of Texas, this book is the next best thing. A comprehensive account of the relationship between history and culture. Insightful examination of the effect of not only globalization, but "Americanization" on today's modern world.

Engaging and comprehensive

Although I found this book a bit wordy, Pells left nothing out. If not sure about the situation between America and Europe after WWII to the present, you will be after reading this book. Background knowledge would be helpful, but not necessary. The length should not turn away readers either, because it turns out to be a quick read. A very informative and comprehensive study and a must read for anyone interested in globalization in the twentieth century.