Generation'S End: A Personal Memoir of American Power After 9/11 - Hardcover

Malcomson, Scott L.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1597975400 ISBN 13: 9781597975407

Publisher: Potomac Books, Inc., 2010

Synopsis

As we approach the ten-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we have a chance to see more lucidly how they were a turning point in America's relationship with the world. America became more assertive abroad; its authority and legitimacy as the only superpower became more widely opposed; and the limitations of the Americandominated post-World War II international structures became clearer with each passing year. The first half of Generation's End examines the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks through the invasion of Iraq in 2003. As the foreign affairs op-ed editor for the New York Times during this period, Scott L. Malcomson witnessed the newspaper's struggles to deal with the threats to its city and to American security. He captures the confusion and bravery of those times with disarming honesty while also providing insight into the shaping of American (and New York Times) policy. The latter half takes Malcomson to Geneva, where in early 2003 he became senior adviser to the new UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Sergio Vieira de Mello. When Vieira de Mello was selected as the UN's special representative for Iraq, Malcomson counseled him closely, writing strategy memos, speeches, and opeds (including politically sensitive material revealed here for the first time). This gripping memoir is a valuable resource for anyone seeking a more complete understanding of the lasting significance of 9/11 for all Americans. About the Author(s)/Editor(s)

About this title

Review

"Malcomson's prose has a raw, sinewy feel to it, and the result is a deeply humane, pellucidly intelligent work about the world as it seemed, at least for a spell, to go dark."--National Review--National Review (12/20/2010)

"A fine piece of writing: moving, civilized, gently humanizing in its tone. A timely reminder that the way forward entails a rejection of [right-wing zealotry and leftist phantasmagoria], and that only by valuing ambiguity and complexity over simplicity and totality can the ideal of a civilized humanism be saved, and the ominous threat of terror and nihilism be meaningfully opposed."--www.nycsubwaynews.com-- (10/01/2010)

"Riveting."--Foreword Magazine--Foreword Magazine (10/01/2010)

"Engaging...Mr. Malcomson's book is notable for his adroit weaving of personal anecdotes with media criticism and discussion of policy. In language that is often lyrical and sometimes breathless, Mr. Malcomson offers an intelligent and deeply-felt account of a chaotic period, imbued with the poignant wisdom of retrospect."--Prospero-- (10/15/2010)

"An urgent, tender book."--San Francisco Chronicle--San Francisco Chronicle (09/03/2010)

"Raw and urgent, capturing the sense of awe and confusion that swept over America after the [9/11] attacks."--New York Times--New York Times (09/13/2010)

"Thoughtful, cathartic."--Journal News--Journal News (09/13/2010)

About the Author

Since leaving the United Nations in early 2004, Scott L. Malcomson has been foreign editor at the New York Times Magazine. Articles assigned and edited by him there have earned many awards, including the Pulitzer Prize and the National Magazine Award. He is the author of three previously published books, including One Drop of Blood: The American Misadventure of Race (2000). He lives in New York City.

About this edition

• Publisher: Potomac Books, Inc.
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1597975400
• ISBN 13: 9781597975407
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 264