Nick Bryant’s When America Stopped Being Great: A History of the Present takes a deep dive into the history of America to explain how the seeds of Trumpism were sown in the decisions of past administrations, and how the historical clues – unseen by many – paved the way for an outsider to take power.
Spanning six presidents and narrated in Bryant’s engaging autobiographical style, When America Stopped Being Great takes the long view, combining storytelling with hard facts to show how the country moved from the optimism of Reagan’s ‘Morning in America’ to Trump’s ‘American Carnage’. The epilogue considers the fall-out from COVID-19 and the 2020 election.
This event is also part of the Folkestone Book Festival Digital Pass. By booking a Digital Pass you'll be able to access all talks and events and revisit anything you missed for up to a week after the festival.
You will need to order your pass at least 24 hours before the start of the first event you wish to attend.
Buy a Digital Pass here.
Nick Bryant is the BBC’s New York correspondent. His several books include Confessions from Correspondentland and The Bystander: John F. Kennedy and the Struggle for Black Equality. He blogs regularly for the BBC where his recent posts on America have had millions of hits. @NickBryantNY
Bryant is a genuine rarity, a Brit who understands America.
-Washington Post
This event will be chaired by Ed Siddons.
A copy of their book can be found on the CCCU website (canterbury.ac.uk)
This year the Festival will be presented online and in-person wherever possible and in line with the latest government guidance. You can find more information about the Festival here.
This event is a Folkestone Book Festival screened event at Quarterhouse. Speakers will be streamed live from their homes to our auditorium for a limited audience. All events can also be enjoyed online as part of our Digital Pass.
Creative Folkestone Book Festival is made possible thanks to the generous support of our funders and partners. We are proud to welcome the return of NewsNow as our Principal Partner for the Creative Folkestone Book Festival.
