📖 Overview
Richard Striner is an American historian, cultural commentator and professor emeritus at Washington College in Maryland. His work focuses on American political and cultural history, with particular emphasis on the Progressive Era, Lincoln's presidency, and Art Deco design.
Striner has authored numerous books examining pivotal moments in American history, including works on Abraham Lincoln's wartime presidency, Woodrow Wilson's leadership, and Franklin D. Roosevelt's economic policies. His 2006 book "Father Abraham: Lincoln's Relentless Struggle to End Slavery" received notable attention for its analysis of Lincoln's strategic approach to emancipation.
Beyond political history, Striner has made significant contributions to architectural and design history through his work on Art Deco, including "Art Deco: Flights of Artistic Fancy" and other publications examining the cultural impact of this design movement. His interdisciplinary approach combines analysis of visual culture with broader historical and social developments.
Striner's scholarly work extends to economic history and policy, demonstrated in his book "Lincoln and Race" (2012) and "Woodrow Wilson and World War I" (2014), which examine the intersection of leadership, policy, and social change during crucial periods of American history.
👀 Reviews
Readers value Striner's unique perspectives on historical figures but some find his writing style academic and dense. His books receive consistent 4-star ratings on Amazon and Goodreads.
What readers liked:
- Detailed research and use of primary sources
- Fresh interpretations of well-documented historical events
- Clear explanations of complex economic policies
- Balanced treatment of controversial topics
What readers disliked:
- Academic tone that can be dry
- Sometimes repetitive arguments
- Limited accessibility for casual readers
- Dense footnoting that interrupts flow
On Amazon, "Father Abraham" averages 4.2/5 stars from 28 reviews. Readers praised its "thorough examination of Lincoln's strategic thinking" but noted it "reads like a dissertation."
"Lincoln and Race" (4.0/5 from 15 reviews) earned praise for tackling difficult subject matter with nuance, though some found it "too scholarly for general audiences."
His Art Deco books receive 4.3/5 average ratings, with readers appreciating the historical context but wanting more visual examples.
Goodreads ratings align closely with Amazon's, averaging 3.9-4.2 stars across his works.
📚 Books by Richard Striner
Father Abraham: Lincoln's Relentless Struggle to End Slavery
A historical analysis of Lincoln's evolving stance on slavery and his strategic approach to its abolition.
Woodrow Wilson and World War I: A Burden Too Great to Bear An examination of President Wilson's leadership during World War I and its impact on his health and presidency.
Lincoln's Way: How Six Great Presidents Created American Power A study of how Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, FDR, and Truman shaped American power and policy.
Samuel Gompers and the Origins of the American Federation of Labor A biographical account of labor leader Samuel Gompers and his role in establishing organized labor in America.
The Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America A detailed account of the 1927 Mississippi flood and its social, political, and economic consequences.
American Beauty An exploration of aesthetic ideals in American culture from the 1800s to the 1920s.
Divine Right: The Presidency and the Powers of American Leadership An analysis of executive power in American government and its evolution through different presidencies.
Woodrow Wilson and World War I: A Burden Too Great to Bear An examination of President Wilson's leadership during World War I and its impact on his health and presidency.
Lincoln's Way: How Six Great Presidents Created American Power A study of how Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, FDR, and Truman shaped American power and policy.
Samuel Gompers and the Origins of the American Federation of Labor A biographical account of labor leader Samuel Gompers and his role in establishing organized labor in America.
The Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America A detailed account of the 1927 Mississippi flood and its social, political, and economic consequences.
American Beauty An exploration of aesthetic ideals in American culture from the 1800s to the 1920s.
Divine Right: The Presidency and the Powers of American Leadership An analysis of executive power in American government and its evolution through different presidencies.
👥 Similar authors
David McCullough writes about American history with focus on presidential leadership and nation-building periods. His research methods and narrative approach to historical events parallel Striner's style in examining pivotal American moments.
James McPherson specializes in Civil War era history and reconstruction, covering economic and political transformation. His work intersects with Striner's interests in Lincoln's presidency and wartime economic policies.
Robert Dallek focuses on presidential history and American foreign policy in the 20th century. His analysis of executive power and political leadership aligns with Striner's examinations of presidential authority.
Richard Brookhiser examines the American founding period and early republic through biographical studies. His work on the founders' philosophies connects to Striner's interest in American political thought and constitutional development.
Eric Foner writes about reconstruction, civil rights, and American political ideology. His research on economic rights and racial equality touches on themes present in Striner's work on progressive reform movements.
James McPherson specializes in Civil War era history and reconstruction, covering economic and political transformation. His work intersects with Striner's interests in Lincoln's presidency and wartime economic policies.
Robert Dallek focuses on presidential history and American foreign policy in the 20th century. His analysis of executive power and political leadership aligns with Striner's examinations of presidential authority.
Richard Brookhiser examines the American founding period and early republic through biographical studies. His work on the founders' philosophies connects to Striner's interest in American political thought and constitutional development.
Eric Foner writes about reconstruction, civil rights, and American political ideology. His research on economic rights and racial equality touches on themes present in Striner's work on progressive reform movements.