Herbert David Croly was an early 20th century American politial liberal writer. After leaving Harvard before graduating he became editor of the Architectural Record in 1900. Croly"s best-known book, The Promise of American Life, was published in 1909. This work gives a manifesto of Progressive beliefs that came before the transition from competitive capitalism to corporate capitalism. It was a transition from limited government to the welfare state. Croly discusses the historical evolution of American society, including slavery, corporations, unions, centralization and democracy, and individual and national purpose.