“We live in a moment in American life when anti-immigrant sentiment and political tribalism, fueled by the president and encouraged by tribal media and social media, have distorted American values and divided the country. Political hysteria, often based on thin evidence and distortion and encouraged by demagogues, is nothing new. In American Hysteria, Andrew Burt gives us deep and lively historical context for the phenomenon, with a few timely suggestions on how to combat it.”

—Norman Ornstein, Resident Scholar, American Enterprise Institute, and NYT best-selling author

“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