Richard Hofstadter

Richard Hofstadter was an influential American historian and scholar, best known for his analyses of American politics and society in the 20th century. His works, such as "The Paranoid Style in American Politics," explored how fear and paranoia have shaped political movements. Hofstadter's writing emphasized the intersections of culture, ideology, and history, particularly examining the roles of class, intellectuals, and populism. He is often credited with helping to establish the field of political history in America and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his book "Anti-Intellectualism in American Life," highlighting societal attitudes toward education and expertise.