Spencer C. Olin – författare

"Instead of proposing another theory of war, their goal is a more modest one of raising the theoretical consciousness of historians. Specifically, they argue that 'ideology does influence theory, historians do have ideologies as well as theories ...about which they are not always conscious or consistent, and we can better understand, compare, and evaluate what historians are saying when we comprehend their ideological and theoretical perspectives.' They attempt then, to classify historical interpretations of war according to their ideological/ theoretical orientations, however covert." (Perspective). "Nelson and Olin ...are concerned with enhancing history's social utility by advancing its capacity to produce generalizations that can explain or predict events and are subject to empirical testing. Their exploration of historical generalization focuses on an issue itself of the highest importance, the causes of war; but their aim is also to create a model for historical generalization applicable to other issues. They argue that to understand generalizations in history, one must recognize their roots in theory, and that historians' theories in turn proceed from their own ideologies.To demonstrate, they survey theories about the causes of war that have come out of conservative, liberal, and radical ideologies...any historian will profit from this rigorous approach to the problem." (Choice). "Learned and suggestive, this book clarifies much of what is already known, and points toward new ways of understanding." (Library Journal).

Neither a city nor a traditional suburb, Orange County, California represents a striking example of a new kind of social formation. This multidisciplinary volume offers a cogent case study of the "postsuburban" phenomenon.

California's Prodigal Sons: Hiram Johnson and the Progressives, 1911-1917 provides an in-depth examination of the transformative Progressive Era in California under the leadership of Governor Hiram W. Johnson. This study shifts the focus from ideological analysis to practical governance, chronicling Johnson's efforts to implement reform and establish efficient public services that prioritized the public good over special interests. With its chronological approach, the book explores key legislative accomplishments addressing railroad control, corruption, labor conditions, and resource management. Drawing on newly available manuscripts, including the Hiram Johnson Papers, the book offers fresh insights into Johnson's administration and its lasting impact on state and national progressivism.In addition to highlighting Johnson's reforms, the book delves into the intense conflict between progressives and conservatives during this era, culminating in the pivotal 1916 Hughes campaign, which tested Johnson's political dominance. The narrative captures the dynamic interplay of politics, personality, and policy, revealing Johnson as a zealous leader whose identity was deeply intertwined with his reform agenda. Through detailed analysis and rich historical context, California's Prodigal Sons sheds light on the broader Progressive movement while offering a compelling portrait of a pivotal figure in California's history.This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1968.

California's Prodigal Sons: Hiram Johnson and the Progressives, 1911-1917 provides an in-depth examination of the transformative Progressive Era in California under the leadership of Governor Hiram W. Johnson. This study shifts the focus from ideological analysis to practical governance, chronicling Johnson's efforts to implement reform and establish efficient public services that prioritized the public good over special interests. With its chronological approach, the book explores key legislative accomplishments addressing railroad control, corruption, labor conditions, and resource management. Drawing on newly available manuscripts, including the Hiram Johnson Papers, the book offers fresh insights into Johnson's administration and its lasting impact on state and national progressivism. In addition to highlighting Johnson's reforms, the book delves into the intense conflict between progressives and conservatives during this era, culminating in the pivotal 1916 Hughes campaign, which tested Johnson's political dominance. The narrative captures the dynamic interplay of politics, personality, and policy, revealing Johnson as a zealous leader whose identity was deeply intertwined with his reform agenda. Through detailed analysis and rich historical context, California's Prodigal Sons sheds light on the broader Progressive movement while offering a compelling portrait of a pivotal figure in California's history. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1968.

"Instead of proposing another theory of war, their goal is a more modest one of raising the theoretical consciousness of historians. Specifically, they argue that ''1) ideology does influence theory, 2) historians do have ideologies as well as theories . . . about which they are not always conscious or consistent, and 3) we can better understand, compare, and evaluate what historians are saying when we comprehend their ideological and theoretical perspectives.'' They attempt then, to classify historical interpretations of war according to their ideological/ theoretical orientations, however covert." --Perspective   "Nelson and Olin .. . are concerned with enhancing history''s social utility by advancing its capacity to produce generalizations that can explain or predict events and are subject to empirical testing. Their exploration of historical generalization focuses on an issue itself of the highest importance, the causes of war; but their aim is also to create a model for historical generalization applicable to other issues. They argue that to understand generalizations in history, one must recognize their roots in theory, and that historians'' theories in turn proceed from their own ideologies. To demonstrate, they survey theories about the causes of war that have come out of conservative, liberal, and radical ideologies. . . . any historian will profit from this rigorous approach to the problem."  --Choice   "Learned and suggestive, this book clarifies much of what is already known, and points toward new ways of understanding." --Library Journal"Instead of proposing another theory of war, their goal is a more modest one of raising the theoretical consciousness of historians. Specifically, they argue that ''1) ideology does influence theory, 2) historians do have ideologies as well as theories . .