“Blending together a discussion of how such notions as the public good, virtue, rights, citizenship, and value relativism are rtransformed from one era to another, Feldman subtly explains how constitutional doctrine on free expression evolves both within and across eras. . . . He offers readers a useful place to begin pondering this difficult topic. Highly recommended.”

Choice

“This book is the best comprehensive overview of the law, history, and politics of free expression in America ever published. Stephen Feldman’s history is confident, sure-footed, and scrupulously accurate. His interpretations and explanations for subtle shifts and developments in the law of free expression are convincing and, quite often, thrilling. I cannot recommend it highly enough.”

Ken I. Kersch, Boston College

“Free Expression and Democracy in America is a splendidly detailed study of free speech in the United States. It is likely to set the standard in the field for many years to come. Feldman does a masterful job integrating American democratic and jurisprudential traditions.”

Alexander Tsesis, author of We Shall Overcome: A History of Civil Rights and the Law

“Professor Feldman details all the major free speech fights in the history of the United States from colonial days until the end of the Vietnam War. As is the case with good comprehensive histories, this book hits all the classics and suggests a number of themes that unite disparate strands of American free speech history, most notably the transition from a republican democracy to pluralist democracy.”

Mark Graber, University of Maryland School of Law

"Feldman is to be congratulated for his rigorous blending of judicial history, American history, and constitutional jurisprudence, all the while keeping dissent and suppression at the fore."

Jerome O'Callaghan | Law and Politics Book Review

"A valuable addition to the literature of free speech and the most complete historical discussion of the topic."

L.A. Scott Powe Jr. | Journal of American History