American Hysteria

This debut book from Andrew Burt details the pivotal moments in American political history when outliers moved to the center, capturing the national spotlight and turning fringe politics mainstream. American Hysteria puts readers at the center of the nation’s most prominent periods of political extremism, from the Anti-Illuminati movement of the 1790s to McCarthyism in the 1950s to the Anti-Sharia movement of today. Both a deep dive into American history and a riveting narrative account, this is book is as much history lesson as it is drama.Burt argues that political hysteria arises in periods of deep uncertainty about American identity, and that when Americans lose their sense of who they are, they lash out against perceived threats with blacklists, scapegoating, conspiracies, cover-ups and more. By exploring the infamous and sometimes forgotten movements and characters of our nation’s past, this fascinating book provides a unique view into America’s history, its identity, and ultimately its future.

“"Andrew Burt's great story of American political hysteria is a brilliantly chosen topic for our times. The book promises to make sense at last of the political extremism we see all around us today."--John Fabian Witt, author of the New York Times bestseller and Pulitzer Prize-nominee Lincoln's Code: The Laws of War in American History"As both journalist and legal scholar, Andrew Burt is writing a fascinating study of political hysteria that will place these episodes in periods of deep uncertainty about American identity. When Americans lose their sense of who they are, they imagine mysterious threats both from within and from without. This will be not only be a great read but also a topic that will resonate with many readers in our current circumstances."--Jack M. Balkin, Knight Professor of Constitutional Law and the First Amendment, Yale Law School "American Hysteria has all the ingredients necessary for a critical and commercial success: It provides a new and riveting lens through which to view American history; it tackles contemporary controversy, specifically the hysteria underlying much of the tea party energy on the right; and it is rife with interesting yet little known stories and anecdotes sure to keep readers engaged."--Robert Schlesinger, managing editor for opinion at U.S. News & World Report and author ofWhite House Ghosts: Presidents and Their Speechwriters"Young Americans are all too familiar with hyper-partisan fights over the routine business of government. What they may not know is that today's political extremism is part of a larger narrative --one that Andrew Burt's fascinating book will explore. American Hysteria will show why and how our politics got so polarized -- and so paranoid - and will surely find a large and enthusiastic audience from politicos and non-politicos alike."--Byron Tau, Political Reporter for POLITICO"Andrew Burt's insightful and engaging study is a much-needed look at a timely topic. Certain to draw a wide readership - from professors and students of law and politics, to anyone interested in fringe movements in our national history - American Hysteria is sure to be a uniquely compelling and provocative book."--Amy Chua, John M. Duff, Jr. Professor of Law at Yale Law School and bestselling author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother”

“Andrew Burt helps make sense of the political extremism and hate all around us. This is a must read book dealing with a topic few want to tackle.”—Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, 1984 winner of the Nobel Peace Prize“Andrew Burt shows how episodes of political hysteria emerge in periods of deep uncertainty about American identity, when groups fearful of their changing status imagine mysterious threats from within and without. This beautifully written book reminds us that America’s greatness has come from our ability to adapt to change and forge a more perfect union.”—Jack M. Balkin, Knight Professor of Constitutional Law and the First Amendment, Yale Law School“American Hysteria brilliantly chronicles five episodes of political hysteria where irrational fears, stirred up by irresponsible leaders, tore us loose from our constitutional moorings. Ranging from hysteria in the earliest days of the Republic to the groundless fear that American Muslims are seeking to establish Sharia law in this country today, the message of this truly impressive first book by Andrew Burt is as poignant as it is timely. America should listen.”—Jeffrey H. Smith, former General Counsel of the Central Intelligence Agency“Andrew Burt, a brilliant intellect and scholar, explores some of the most sensitive issues our country has confronted, and provides an historical and sociological construct to lead us through these challenging debates. American Hysteria is a powerful read, and a deeply fascinating book.”—Admiral James G. Stavridis (Ret.), Dean of Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and former NATO Supreme Allied Commander

A former reporter for U.S. News & World Report, Andrew Burt is currently a Visiting Fellow at Yale Law School's Information Society Project. His articles have appeared in Slate, Politico, and The Atlantic, among other publications. This is his first book.

This debut book from Andrew Burt details the pivotal moments in American political history when outliers moved to the center, capturing the national spotlight and turning fringe politics mainstream. American Hysteria puts readers at the center of the nation's most prominent periods of political extremism, from the Anti-Illuminati movement of the 1790s to McCarthyism in the 1950s to the Anti-Sharia movement of today. Both a deep dive into American history and a riveting narrative account, this is book is as much history lesson as it is drama. Burt argues that political hysteria arises in periods of deep uncertainty about American identity, and that when Americans lose their sense of who they are, they lash out against perceived threats with blacklists, scapegoating, conspiracies, cover-ups and more. By exploring the infamous and sometimes forgotten movements and characters of our nation's past, this fascinating book provides a unique view into America's history, its identity, and ultimately its future.

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