Breaking Ranks

Breaking Ranks chronicles Norman Podhoretz's political transformation from a liberal intellectual to a neoconservative thinker in the 1970s. The memoir details his growing disillusionment with the American Left and his eventual break from longtime friends and colleagues at Commentary magazine. Podhoretz examines the major social and political movements of the 1960s and 70s, including the anti-war movement, counterculture, and rise of radical politics. He recounts his personal experiences within New York's liberal intellectual circles and explains the ideological shifts that led to his changed worldview. The narrative includes portraits of influential figures like Norman Mailer, Susan Sontag, and other prominent intellectuals of the era. Podhoretz documents the intense debates and fractured relationships that resulted from his political evolution. The book stands as a significant document of American intellectual history, exploring themes of political identity, intellectual integrity, and the price of breaking from one's ideological tribe. Through his personal story, Podhoretz captures a pivotal moment when the traditional alliance between liberalism and anti-communism began to dissolve.

Readers view Breaking Ranks as Podhoretz's personal account of his political transformation from liberal to conservative. Many see it as a historical document of intellectual life in New York during the 1960s and 70s. Readers appreciated: - Detailed portraits of literary figures like Norman Mailer and Lionel Trilling - Clear explanations of his changing political views - Writing style and cultural observations - Personal anecdotes about the New York intellectual scene Common criticisms: - Self-justifying tone - Too much focus on personal grievances - Some found it bitter and score-settling - Repetitive in places Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (12 ratings) One Amazon reviewer noted: "Fascinating insider account of NY intellectual circles, though sometimes petty." A Goodreads reviewer wrote: "Important historical document but Podhoretz comes across as self-righteous."

Making It by Norman Podhoretz A memoir chronicling the intellectual journey from working-class Brooklyn to the center of New York's literary establishment parallels the themes of political transformation in Breaking Ranks.

Radical Son by David Horowitz The personal account traces the author's path from red-diaper baby to conservative intellectual, documenting his break from leftist politics.

The Middle Mind by Curtis White An examination of how American intellectual culture shifted through the latter half of the 20th century, focusing on the realignment of political and cultural values.

Ex-Friends by Norman Podhoretz The narrative details the author's relationships with former literary and political allies who diverged during the ideological shifts of the 1960s and 1970s.

Neo-Conservatism: The Autobiography of an Idea by Irving Kristol A collection of essays charts the development of neo-conservative thought and the movement's break from liberal orthodoxy.

🔹 Norman Podhoretz was once a leading liberal intellectual before becoming one of the founders of neoconservatism, and "Breaking Ranks" (1979) documents his dramatic political transformation from left to right. 🔹 The book caused significant controversy in New York intellectual circles, as Podhoretz publicly criticized many former friends and allies, including Norman Mailer and Allen Ginsberg. 🔹 During the period covered in the book, Podhoretz served as editor-in-chief of Commentary magazine for 35 years (1960-1995), transforming it from a liberal publication to a leading conservative voice. 🔹 The memoir details how Podhoretz's support for the civil rights movement and opposition to the Vietnam War in the 1960s evolved into criticism of the New Left and eventual support for Reagan-era conservatism. 🔹 "Breaking Ranks" is part of a trilogy of autobiographical works by Podhoretz, alongside "Making It" (1967) and "Ex-Friends" (1999), chronicling his intellectual journey and the cultural shifts of late 20th century America.