Merle Curti (1897-1997) was professor emeritus of history, University of Wisconsin, Madison. He was a former Guggenheim Fellow, president of the American Historical Association, and recipient of an award for distinguished scholarship by the American Council of Learned Societies. Among his publications are Rise of the American Nation, Human Nature in American Historical Thought, American Peace Crusade, Roots of American Loyalty, and The American Paradox.