Comments on the work of H. R. Shapiro:
Hannah Arendt: H.R Shapiro's essay [on the politics of the USA, 1896-1945], is the most important work written on American politics in the twentieth century. It is unique-and marvelous.
The work of H.R. Shapiro goes back to the very foundation of the American Republic. It offers a new approach to political matters which are free of all ideological and party cliches. His discussion and analysis of the daily affairs of public concern has consistently been on a high level of insight, intelligence and plain common sense. H.R. Shapiro's work should be read by every independent citizen.
W.H. Auden: H.R. Shapiro should be read by every citizen who is a republican in the true sense of the word, that is to say, someone who cares for the Public Thing and believes it is too important to be handed over to professional politicians.
Noam Chomsky: I have been a reader of The Public Life since the first issue and have found it informative, iconoclastic and generally quite engaging and challenging. I have been impressed by its firm advocacy of individual liberty and its exposure of the forces in the political system that subvert democratic practices.
Dwight Macdonald: "Education and the Republic" is a extraordinary article. I agree with H.R. Shapiro's concept of Republican education, and I admire the learning with which he has made his camelopard come alive – and unfabulous. It's good to have such sensible (educational) proposals backed up by so detailed a grasp of American history and education theory, from Jefferson to Arendt
Gore Vidal: I recommend this masterly work. "USA: Total State (Democracy in America)" ... is the only political history of the United States from the British shires to the present deficits.