In his most recently published book, Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law Professor Bruce Frohnen explores Americans’ ongoing attempt to understand themselves, and one another, as a people.
Professor Frohnen, in collaboration with Ted McAllister, Professor of Public Policy at Pepperdine University has written “Character in the American Experience: An Unruly People.”
“We were troubled by the extent to which Americans don’t talk to each other anymore. It seemed clear to us that people focus too much on what separates us rather than what unites us.” The book explores the unique ways Americans historically have cooperated on matters of vital public interest, and learned to harness disagreements in ways that promote freedom and vigorous public debate among a self-governing people.
Professor Frohnen says, “If you’re concerned about the forces dividing the country, and the means for containing those forces, this book was written for you.” He says the history of the American character is filled with triumph as well as tragedy, and with virtue as well as vice. It is a story of cooperation and conflict among an unruly people, who from earliest days questioned authority even as they worked to establish communities of faith, family, and local freedom under extreme circumstances.
“Character in the American Experience: An Unruly People,” published by Lexington Books and co-authored by Ted McAllister, is available through all major booksellers.
In addition to “Character in the American Experience: An Unruly People,” Professor Frohnen has authored or edited 12 books.
Professor Frohnen joined the ONU faculty in 2008. He earned his law degree from Emory University He also holds a Ph.D. in Government from Cornell University.
He has served as a Legislative Aide in the United States Senate, Visiting Scholar at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and Charles Evans Hughes Professor of Jurisprudence at Colgate University. His co-edited volume, American Conservatism: An Encyclopedia was the subject of a front-page article in The New York Times. He has published several hundred articles, essays, chapters and reviews in journals including the George Washington Law Review and the Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy.