Distrust and scorn towards intellectuals has always been a powerful force in the United States, according to a Pulitzer Prize-winning book written 62 years ago by Richard Hofstadter,

Anti-Intellectualism in American Life. Many other academics have looked at this question over the years, contrasting the widespread American attitude to that of the Europeans.

 Now a fascinating new book from Oxford University Press takes up the theme.  Anti Scientific Americans is written by Boston University Professor Matthew Motta. Wayne Brittenden discusses with him the social and political factors that have brought this about.