Originally published on July 8, 2024 (Episode 366)
Introduction
Does knowing a lot of facts about the historical past—say, of early America—make us feel closer to it? Or is something else required?
Andrew Burstein has done what he can to credibly bring early America nearer in his new book Longing for Connection: Entangled Memories, and Emotional Loss in Early America (Hopkins, 2024). It is a work of history intricately plotted, connecting personalities and themes in a circular panopticon of early America, in which the reader sits at the center of continual swirl and movement.
About the Guest
Andrew Burstein is the Charles Phelps Manship Emeritus Professor in the Department of History at Louisiana State University. Longing for Connection is the latest in a large—and hopefully happy—family of books. For some members of that family, see below.
For Further Investigation
Andrew Burstein, Longing for Connection: Entangled Memories, and Emotional Loss in Early America (Hopkins, 2024)
—, The Inner Jefferson: Portrait of a Grieving Optimist (Virginia, 1995)
—, Sentimental Democracy: The Evolution of America’s Romantic Self-Image (Macmillan, 2000)
—, The Original Knickerbocker: The Life of Washington Irving (Basic Books, 2007)
—, Lincoln Dreamt He Died: The Midnight Visions of Remarkable Americans from Colonial Times to Freud (Macmillan, 2013)
Related episodes
“What’s Love Got to Do with It?”, in part about the history of emotions
Alexander Pope’s poetry (background and selections available here; he’s really worth reading!)
Edward Everett’s Gettysburg Address (yes, the one no one reads, poor man)
💬 Listen & Discuss
How do you think historians should convey the emotions of the past? Can we ever really “feel” what Jefferson or Lincoln felt, or is that longing a bridge too far? Drop your thoughts in the comments—and if you know someone who gets teary-eyed about the past, share this with them.
