Norman Podhoretz

Norman Podhoretz (1930-) is an American conservative political commentator and former editor-in-chief of Commentary magazine. He was a leading figure in the neoconservative movement, having transformed from an early liberal stance to become one of conservatism's most prominent voices. During his 35-year tenure as editor of Commentary (1960-1995), Podhoretz shifted the magazine's editorial direction from a liberal to a conservative perspective, influencing significant political and cultural debates of the era. His memoir "Making It" (1967) sparked controversy for its frank discussion of ambition and success in the New York intellectual scene. Podhoretz's major works include "Breaking Ranks" (1979), which detailed his political transformation, and "Why We Were in Vietnam" (1982), a defense of American involvement in the Vietnam War. His later books focused on foreign policy, Judaism, and cultural criticism, establishing him as a key figure in American conservative thought. Through his writing and editorial work, Podhoretz helped shape the intellectual foundation of modern American conservatism and neoconservative foreign policy. His influence extended beyond publishing into political circles, where he served as an advisor and advocate for conservative causes.

Readers appreciate Podhoretz's direct writing style and detailed accounts of his political evolution, particularly in "Breaking Ranks." Many note his ability to document the intellectual landscape of post-war New York City and changing American political thought. Readers value: - Clear explanations of neoconservative principles - Personal insights into NYC intellectual circles - Historical documentation of the liberal-to-conservative shift - Detailed analysis in "Why We Were in Vietnam" Common criticisms: - Self-promotional tone, especially in "Making It" - Perceived arrogance in writing style - Oversimplification of opposing viewpoints - Later works seen as increasingly partisan Ratings averages: Goodreads: "Making It" - 3.7/5 (89 ratings) "Breaking Ranks" - 3.8/5 (42 ratings) "World War IV" - 3.4/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: "Making It" - 4.1/5 (28 reviews) "My Love Affair with America" - 4.2/5 (31 reviews) One reader noted: "His autobiographical works provide valuable historical context, even if you disagree with his conclusions." Another observed: "Later books repeat arguments without adding new insights."

Making It (1967) A memoir detailing Podhoretz's journey from working-class Brooklyn to his rise in New York's literary and intellectual circles.

Breaking Ranks: A Political Memoir (1979) Chronicles Podhoretz's shift from liberal to conservative politics and his break with former leftist allies.

Why We Were in Vietnam (1982) An analysis defending American involvement in the Vietnam War and critiquing the anti-war movement.

Ex-Friends (1999) Personal accounts of Podhoretz's relationships with notable figures including Allen Ginsberg, Hannah Arendt, and Norman Mailer.

The Prophets: Who They Were, What They Are (2002) An examination of biblical prophets and their relevance to contemporary Jewish and political thought.

World War IV: The Long Struggle Against Islamofascism (2007) Analysis of post-9/11 conflicts framed as part of a larger ideological struggle.

Why Are Jews Liberals? (2009) Historical investigation into American Jewish political affiliations and voting patterns.

My Love Affair with America (2000) Memoir exploring Podhoretz's relationship with American culture and patriotism.

Irving Kristol was a founder of neoconservatism who wrote about the intersection of culture, politics and Jewish identity. Like Podhoretz, he focused on the shift from liberal to conservative thinking and published extensively in Commentary magazine.

Gertrude Himmelfarb wrote histories examining Victorian moral values and their relevance to modern society. She shared Podhoretz's critique of 1960s counterculture and focus on how cultural changes impact social stability.

Sidney Hook traced his political evolution from Marxism to anti-communism through philosophical writings. His work parallels Podhoretz's intellectual journey and focuses on defending democratic values against totalitarian threats.

Midge Decter wrote cultural criticism focused on feminism, family structures, and social transformation in America. She covered many of the same themes as Podhoretz regarding the cultural upheavals of the 1960s and their long-term societal impact.

Nathan Glazer analyzed ethnicity, education, and social policy in American society through a neoconservative lens. His writings on the limitations of social engineering and critique of liberal orthodoxies align with key themes in Podhoretz's work.