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UW-Eau Claire Political Science Professor
Authors New Book on Frederick Douglass

RELEASED: March 13, 2008

EAU CLAIRE — Peter Myers, professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, recently published his second book, "Frederick Douglass, Race and the Rebirth of American Liberalism" through the University Press of Kansas.

Douglass (1818-1895) is commonly regarded as one of America's greatest abolitionists and activists. Myers' book explores the philosophic core of Douglass' political thought and offers a greater understanding of its depth and coherence.

"Douglass, although a frequently angry critic of American injustices, was nonetheless guided throughout his long career by rational foundations," Myers said. "His lesson to African-Americans and to all Americans was to agitate for justice and to strive for excellence, to love their country and their future in it despite all their hardships, and to reject the spirit of alienation and pessimism. Over 100 years after his death, I think that this teaching has lost none of its essential vitality."

Critics in the field have praised the book. Michael Zuckert, professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame, called it "a beautiful, thoughtful, deeply felt volume that not only gives us the greatness of Douglass as he was in his time, but his continuing relevance in ours."

Bernard R. Boxill, a philosophy professor at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, said, "Myers' superbly researched book is the best interpretation and analysis of Frederick Douglass' thought yet available."

The book is available through Amazon.com or the University Press of Kansas.

For additional information, contact Myers at myerspc@uwec.edu or call 715-836-2188.

-30-

LK/NW

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