Structure

The structure of Isenberg's extensive history resembles that of most historical studies. There is no climax per se, but rather her study leads to a cyclical conclusion regarding the hidden reality of American class structure. Her study relies more on patterns and interpretations rather than reaching a solution or answering a single question. In fact, her study poses more questions than it answers.

To help categorize the vast quantity of information in Isenberg's study, she breaks her timeline down into three chronological sections. Each chapter itself is semi-chronological. She uses the first section of each chapter to describe the sociopolitical context of the time period under investigation. Isenberg spends less time going in depth with each example she provides, and more time laying out a plethora of examples. This is done to convey the entire scope of the political landscape. Though her chapters can get monotonous and...