The Politicians and the Egalitarians: The Hidden History of American Politics

Placeholder author icon
By Sean Wilentz

Published Sept. 2, 2016

In his new book, American history professor Sean Wilentz argues that America is built on egalitarianism, but that partisanship is a permanent and necessary fixture. Wilentz paints a portrait of history through stories of politicians and egalitarians from Thomas Paine to Abraham Lincoln to W.E.B. Du Bois.

Paw in print

Image
PAW’s December 2025 cover, with a photo of Michael Park ’98.
The Latest Issue

December 2025

Judge Michael Park ’98; shifts in DEI initiatives; a night at the new art museum.