A Rage for Justice: The Passion and Politics of Phillip Burton

by John Jacobs

Book Overview

This political biography of Phillip Burton (1926-1983) is the riveting story of one of the most brilliant, driven, and productive legislators of his-or indeed any-era of American politics. A ruthless and unabashed progressive, Burton terrified his opponents, ran over his friends, forged improbable coalitions, and from 1964 to 1983 became one of the most influential Representatives in the House. He also acquired more raw power than almost any left-liberal...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0520204115
• ISBN13: 9780520204119
• Release Date: November 1997
• Publisher: University of California Press
• Length: 624 Pages
• Weight: 2.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Powerful biography of a fascinating man

This is probably the best political biography I have ever read. Phil Burton was a fascinating man, and Jacobs does a terrific job of profiling him. Whether the reader is liberal or conservative, he will enjoy this book.

just plain rage

Burton was out there. Great book though despite the author being overly enamoured with the subject. Good info and California politics.

Fascinating

The best background piece on California politics. Similarly, a fantastic insight into a legislative master whose personal vices cut short a meteoric rise to power and influence.

Reads Like A Thriller

As a San Franciscan who grew up hearing about the exploits of Burton and other more-or-less mythical characters, I feel I owe Jacobs a serious "thank you" for providing this view of what went on inside. The man who nearly became Speaker, who wielded and exercised his power lustily and well, who was known for both creating environmental protections and shunning nature, is now a lot more real.

Smashing history of Congress and Phil Burton

John Jacobs has done a spectacular job of capturing and relating the career of Congressman Phil Burton, a swaggering, ruthless liberal from San Francisco who came within one vote of serving as House majority leader in 1976. For anyone who wants to understand the history of the contemporary Congress, they need only read "A Rage For Justice," and "The Ambition and the Power," by John Barry, which tells the story of Congressman Jim Wright, the man who beat Burton by that one vote. Both books are chock with candid interviews and revealing anecdotes, and written with style. Each serves as a model of congressional biography.