Arthur M. Schlesinger's playbill for the American century

Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. in Cambridge, Mass., on Jan. 25, 1961. AP Photo

"His personal journals unveil the glory and corruption of postwar presidents with emotional truth and power. Alas, the age of the great historian is over." Sidney Blumenthal writes a review about a publication, "Journals: 1952-2000" by Arthur M. Schlesinger one of the greatest American historian.

Excerpts: 

"If the American century were cast as a Broadway show, this would be the playbill."

Schlesinger lived many lives, in academia, in politics and in cafe society. Of course, he was among the greatest historians of his generation, continuing the tradition of his distinguished father, the originator of the cycles of American politics, and his reputed ancestor, George Bancroft, the 19th-century historian and political intimate of Democratic presidents. Schlesinger was also a speechwriter and advisor to Democratic politicians and presidents, serving famously in the Kennedy White House. Before he went to work with John F. Kennedy, he had already published his magisterial histories, "The Age of Jackson" and the three volumes of "The Age of Roosevelt."

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