Comps List Radio

Robert Ferguson
  • 5.0 (3)
  • History

In this podcast, brought to you by H-Pol, Drs. Marie Totten and Robert Ferguson explore some of the classic works in American political history. Our goal is to help graduate students encounter books that might not appear on their comps lists but that they will want to be aware of and engage with.

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 13: 250 Series, Gordon Wood (RIP), "Creation of Am. Republic" and "Radicalism of Am. Rev."

    Rob and Marie discuss Gordon Wood's iconic "Creation of the American Republic," and "Radicalism of the American Revolution," in a final bittersweet instalment of the Comps List Radio America 250 Summer Series. Rob and Marie spend a lot of time discussing Wood the man and the scholar before jumping into these two (very interrelated) books. They distinguish him from Bailyn while acknowledging the clear similarities between the two, while engaging with Wood's many arguments. While these books are still probably on your Comps List, this episode will be a great entry-point to two of the most important books in US historiography.

  2. Jul 3

    Episode 12: 250 Series July 4th Special, Publius, "The Federalist Papers,"

    In this very special episode of Comps List Radio, Rob and Marie are joined by the entire H-Pol Team: Aakriti Sethi, Rebeca Leffler, and Grant Madsen to discuss "The Federalist Papers," and their lingering importance for American historians. We discuss the most important themes, how the Federalist Papers shapes our understanding of the Constitution, some of the "greatest hits," and some of our favorite deep cuts. While you are preparing to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, please join us as we discuss the most important works in American political theory.

  3. Jun 29

    Episode 11: 250 Series, Douglass Adair, "Jeffersonian Democracy," 1943

    In this episode, Marie and Rob discuss the towering legacy of Douglass Adair's 1943 dissertation that launched the Republican Synthesis understanding of the American founding. We highlight his Madison partisanship, his treatment of Hamilton as a reactionary, and how the founders' shared understanding of Aristotle and Thucydides had scarred them. If you want to understand why you (probably) understand the Founding the way that you do, you need to need to listen to this episode.

  4. Jun 11

    Episode 10: Bernard Bailyn and Caroline Robbins, 250 Series

    This episode explores the ideological foundations of the American Revolution, focusing on Bernard Bailyn's "Ideological Origins of the American Revolution," and Caroline Robbins' "The Eighteenth Century Commonwealthmen." We discuss how ideas from British political culture influenced American revolutionary thought, the role of pamphlets, and the enduring legacy of English liberalism. At the heart is our understanding of the United States as a uniquely creedal nation. After a wonderful summary and analysis of Bailyn's "Ideological Origins," Rob does his best to explain Robbins' exemplary "Eighteenth Century Commonwealthmen" which inspired Bailyn's work. Even though he admits that his knowledge of English history between 1650 and 1750 was not strong enough to get as much out of it as he could have. Key Topics: Bailyn's argument on ideological origins of the revolutionRobbins' analysis of English liberalism and republican ideasThe influence of pamphlets and political culture in BostonMiscommunication and conspiracy theories in colonial AmericaThe legacy of English political traditions in American founding documents

  5. May 27

    Episode 9: 250 Series, Charles Beard, "Economic Interpretation of the Constitution," 1913

    Have you ever thought of the US Constitution as an economic document? Charles Beard, one of the most important historians of the 20th century, did. In this episode, Robert Ferguson and Marie Totten explore Charles Austin Beard's influential work, 'An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution,' analyzing its impact on American historiography and its relevance to understanding the founding fathers' motivations. They discuss the economic interests behind the Constitution, the historiographical debates, and the legacy of Beard's theories. keywords: Charles Austin Beard, American historiography, Constitution, economic interests, founding fathers, Federalist Papers, revolutionary America, political economy, historiographical debate

  6. May 12

    Episode 8: John Hope Franklin, "Reconstruction After the Civil War," 1961

    In this episode, Robert Ferguson and Marie Totten explore John Hope Franklin's influential work on Reconstruction, challenging traditional narratives and emphasizing the progress and potential of the era. They discuss Franklin's background, his impact on historiography, and the importance of understanding Reconstruction as a complex, political, and transformative period. Key questions we are left with are the role played by the early revisionists in the transition from the Dunning School to Foner.

  7. Apr 28

    Episode 7: Alfred Chandler, "The Visible Hand," 1977 with Dr. Richard John

    Rob and Marie are joined by Columbia Distinguished Research Professor Dr. Richard John, author of Spreading the News and Network Nation, to discuss the life and magnum opus of his mentor Alfred Chandler. Rob and Marie pepper Dr. John with questions about how Alfred Chandler's "Visible Hand" shaped the field of business history, engaged with political history, and why his insights remain relevant today. Dr. John explains not only how this book redefined business history, but illustrated the crucial role of managerial practices in shaping economic outcomes. About Richard John Richard John is a distinguished research professor at Columbia University, specializing in the history of business and economic development.

  8. Apr 20

    Episode 6: William A Williams "Tragedy of American Diplomacy," 1959 with Grant Madsen

    Grant Madsen from BYU pinch hits for Marie this week as Rob and Grant discuss this classic of the diplomatic history field. They keep coming back to Williams the man, and how this book reflects both a deep connection with America and yet a deep alienation from it. Both Grant and Rob, while not explicitly diplomatic historians, dabble in that field enough for this book (and books inspired by it) to have shaped the way they consider their own works. Therefore, there is a lot of interplay with their own research and it makes for a really personal discussion about the material. Any historian who has never read Williams should listen to this podcast for an introduction to him and his work, and anyone who has read him should listen too. If for not other reason than you can send your feedback on why Rob is wrong.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
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About

In this podcast, brought to you by H-Pol, Drs. Marie Totten and Robert Ferguson explore some of the classic works in American political history. Our goal is to help graduate students encounter books that might not appear on their comps lists but that they will want to be aware of and engage with.

Information

  • Creator
    Robert Ferguson
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Robert Ferguson
  • Show Website
    Comps List Radio

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