'œWilkinson's discussion contains many insights. He sees numerous tensions and many internal contradictions in the toughness tradition. Some of his best perceptions revolve around the use of language to express toughness. The author is also astute in probing the relationship between the producer ethos and the consumer ideal and in considering how those polarities affect the notion of American individualism.the book is a useful addition to the growing body of literature on gender roles and masculinity in American society.'' The Journal of American History.