Specifically, we analyze her most famous work "Within the Plantation Household," which fundamentally reshaped Southern women's history. We discuss how Fox-Genovese conceived of the antebellum South, and the central role that both Black and white women played. We argue that, in fact, Fox-Genovese is as responsible as anyone else for fatally wounding Eugene Genovese's paternalism thesis, and that (in many ways) this is a more satisfying book than Roll Jordan Roll.

We also wrestle with the many challenges that this book presents, both intentionally and unintentionally. We try to come to terms with a book that puts us in the shoes of people we would rather not sympathize with. It is a great listen!

Please also enjoy Comps List Radio's new theme music. We hope you like it!

The group of us discuss the themes of citizenship, the consequences of a political system in which sovereignty rests in the people, and the fears of majoritarian tyranny. We also spent some time discussing "soft despotism."

This was an excellent podcast filled with all sorts of different perspectives. Anyone who has wanted to engage with Tocqueville but has been a little intimidated by its size should start here. Meanwhile, anyone who is familiar with Tocqueville will enjoy this discussion as both a refresher and (perhaps) an opportunity to engage with us.

Rob and Marie spend a lot of time discussing Wood the man and the scholar before jumping into these two (very interrelated) books. They distinguish him from Bailyn while acknowledging the clear similarities between the two, while engaging with Wood's many arguments.

While these books are still probably on your Comps List, this episode will be a great entry-point to two of the most important books in US historiography.

We discuss the most important themes, how the Federalist Papers shapes our understanding of the Constitution, some of the "greatest hits," and some of our favorite deep cuts.

While you are preparing to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, please join us as we discuss the most important works in American political theory.

After a wonderful summary and analysis of Bailyn's "Ideological Origins," Rob does his best to explain Robbins' exemplary "Eighteenth Century Commonwealthmen" which inspired Bailyn's work. Even though he admits that his knowledge of English history between 1650 and 1750 was not strong enough to get as much out of it as he could have.

Key Topics:

• Bailyn's argument on ideological origins of the revolution
• Robbins' analysis of English liberalism and republican ideas
• The influence of pamphlets and political culture in Boston
• Miscommunication and conspiracy theories in colonial America
• The legacy of English political traditions in American founding documents

In this episode, Robert Ferguson and Marie Totten explore Charles Austin Beard's influential work, 'An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution,' analyzing its impact on American historiography and its relevance to understanding the founding fathers' motivations. They discuss the economic interests behind the Constitution, the historiographical debates, and the legacy of Beard's theories.

keywords: Charles Austin Beard, American historiography, Constitution, economic interests, founding fathers, Federalist Papers, revolutionary America, political economy, historiographical debate

Key questions we are left with are the role played by the early revisionists in the transition from the Dunning School to Foner.

Rob and Marie pepper Dr. John with questions about how Alfred Chandler's "Visible Hand" shaped the field of business history, engaged with political history, and why his insights remain relevant today.

Dr. John explains not only how this book redefined business history, but illustrated the crucial role of managerial practices in shaping economic outcomes.

About Richard John

Richard John is a distinguished research professor at Columbia University, specializing in the history of business and economic development.

They keep coming back to Williams the man, and how this book reflects both a deep connection with America and yet a deep alienation from it. Both Grant and Rob, while not explicitly diplomatic historians, dabble in that field enough for this book (and books inspired by it) to have shaped the way they consider their own works. Therefore, there is a lot of interplay with their own research and it makes for a really personal discussion about the material.

Any historian who has never read Williams should listen to this podcast for an introduction to him and his work, and anyone who has read him should listen too. If for not other reason than you can send your feedback on why Rob is wrong.

The duo discuss Hofstadter's purpose in writing the book, the novelty of legitimate opposition in the 1790s, analyze the political perspectives of the Virginia Dynasty and conclude with some speculation about how Hofstadter's Van Buren migth diagnose the ills of today's political climate.

It has also finally warmed up in Conway, so Marie can just look forward to baseball season.

Some highlights include our appreciation of Hawley's tripartite division within the New Deal, an extended discussion on the NIRA, and our frequent amusement at the ways in which Hawley expresses just how incoherent the New Deal actually was.