Character Is Capital

Judy Hilkey, who holds a Ph.D. in history, is senior counselor at the Center for Worker Education, City College of New York, CUNY.
For more information about Judy Hilkey, visit the Author Page.

“Interpretive restraint, careful presentation of evidence, and clear, direct writing make this a model monograph.”American Historical Review

“Hilkey has written an exemplary academic monograph. Clearly organized and sharply written, it bears upon several important scholarly issues without sacrificing the integrity of its own narrative.”--Canadian Review of American Studies

“Hilkey’s book is a significant contribution to debates on ideals of success and manhood in America. Everyone interested in American cultural history, literary history, gender, ideals of success in American culture, and Gilded Age America will want to take notice of this important book.”--Maryland Historical Magazine

"An intriguing and well documented look at a neglected genre of nonfiction. Hilkey demonstrates wide knowledge of the subject (including present-day self-help books) and an ability to integrate these success manuals into the broader history of that tumultuous period knows as the Gilded Age."--AB Bookman's Weekly

"Character is Capital is an original and suggestive book on an important topic. Hilkey's multi-faceted examination of subscription success books enables her to recapture and analyze the vision of American life this literature offered. Her analysis of [the books'] language provides an exemplary treatment of the way writers use words to construct culture."--Daniel Horowitz, Smith College