"Prothero explains the seemingly inexplicable by mapping the enduring DNA of conservatism. The consistent - and losing - proposition in conservative thinking, Prothero argues, is a cultural one. The right, he writes, always ''has fought for a more restrictive understanding of the American family'' and who may join in its rights." - WBUR "Americans typically think of the culture wars as a generally 50-50 battle of the past fifty years. Abortion. Prayer in public schools. Gay marriage.But for Prothero, that''s not quite how it works.

As he takes his readers through America''s long history of impassioned debate, he argues that conflicts over Catholic immigration and prohibition, for example, were just as gridlocked and nasty as abortion debates are today." - Sojourners "Americans typically think of the culture wars as a generally 50-50 battle of the past fifty years. Abortion. Prayer in public schools. Gay marriage.But for Prothero, that''s not quite how it works. As he takes his readers through America''s long history of impassioned debate." - Sojourners "During these frustrating primary-election days, Prothero''s illuminating take on our current hot issues gives us hope that we can move beyond political extremism, with no side having a legitimate sole claim on American values.

Liberty will be the ultimate victor, ''making an imperfect nation a little less imperfect.''" - Bay Area Reporter "Prothero''s illuminating take on our current hot issues gives us hope that we can move beyond political extremism, with no side having a legitimate sole claim on American values. Liberty will be the ultimate victor, ''making an imperfect nation a little less imperfect.''" - Bay Area Reporter "This book deserves the highest rating and should be read by legislators, religious leaders, those involved in today''s culture wars, as well as informed citizens everywhere." - Voice of Reason "A lively, highly readable, and thought-provoking analysis of how culture wars arise, how they are fought, and how they end. Both sides can learn much from this volume." - Douglas Laycock, University of Virginia Law School "Shows how culture-wars battles have been waged since the nation''s founding and have molded the national character and traditions . illuminating and absorbing.

" - Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Prothero offers a timely social history that illustrates that the current conflicts are actually part of a much larger story that dates back at least to 1796. His thesis is that conservatives tend to instigate individual culture wars owing to anxiety that their world is passing away, and that liberals tend to win them, in large part because conservatives usually rally around lost causes. This book provides social, political, and historical context to the current culture wars and offers constructive and hopeful ideas for defueling the cycle, ideas that are pertinent to liberals and conservatives alike." - Library Journal "A timely social history that illustrates that the current conflicts are actually part of a much larger story. This book provides social, political, and historical context to the current culture wars and offers constructive and hopeful ideas for defueling the cycle, ideas that are pertinent to liberals and conservatives alike." - Library Journal "This important book is less a partisan victory cry than a potent injection of perspective. Prothero tackles the topic of politics with imagination and verve. And he has a revelation: [why] Conservatives are the ones who generally initiate culture wars and [why] they invariably lose.

" - The Boston Globe "Well worth reading. Prothero''s historical arguments are insightful, revealing how culture wars are rarely as sudden-appearing as they seem but are often rooted in the last generation''s quarrels." - Russell Moore, from The Gospel Coalition "Prothero brilliantly shows how the same groups drive conflicts year after year and often lose-and how the results eventually make us stronger. Useful, instructive reading for all voters in the upcoming election." - Kirkus (starred review) "A lively and highly readable review of five episodes in American history, all fairly described as culture wars, and a thought-provoking analysis of how culture wars arise, how they are fought, and how they end. Prothero''s history implies that today''s culture wars will also eventually end - but then a new one will likely emerge. Both sides can learn much from this volume." - Douglas Laycock, University of Virginia Law School.