John Barry Books
John M. Barry is an American author and historian known for his works on politics, history, and science.
Known for: When the Clock Broke: The Republicans in Congress and the Plan to Destroy Government
Books by John Barry
When the Clock Broke: The Republicans in Congress and the Plan to Destroy Government
This book by John M. Barry examines the political transformation of the Republican Party in the United States during the 1990s, focusing on the rise of Newt Gingrich and the radical shift in congressional politics. Barry explores how ideological polarization and strategic obstructionism reshaped American governance, leading to a breakdown in bipartisan cooperation and a new era of political warfare.
Read SummaryKey Insights from John Barry
Historical Context
In the years after World War II, Congress operated on informal codes that encouraged cooperation and civility. Senior members mentored newcomers, committee chairs wielded power responsibly, and bipartisan coalitions frequently shaped legislation. The system was imperfect—racial segregation, entrench...
From When the Clock Broke: The Republicans in Congress and the Plan to Destroy Government
Rise of Newt Gingrich
When Gingrich entered Congress in 1979, he was a marginal figure from Georgia with a crusader’s mindset. He was not interested in committee practice or the slow mastery of legislative craft; he viewed the institution itself as the problem. His formative belief was that Democrats dominated Congress n...
From When the Clock Broke: The Republicans in Congress and the Plan to Destroy Government
About John Barry
John M. Barry is an American author and historian known for his works on politics, history, and science. He is best known for 'The Great Influenza' and 'Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America.' His writing combines deep research with accessible narrative style.
Frequently Asked Questions
John M. Barry is an American author and historian known for his works on politics, history, and science.
Read John Barry's books in 15 minutes
Get AI-powered summaries with key insights from 1 book by John Barry.