Fighting Bob La Follette: The Righteous Reformer

by Nancy C. Unger

Book Overview

Now in paperback with a new preface, this comprehensive biography weaves the triumph and the tragedy of the public and private lives of the most famous of Wisconsin leaders, Robert "Fighting Bob" La Follette. As a U.S. representative, governor of Wisconsin, and U.S. Senator, La Follette's political legacies have been long lasting; among them are the election of senators by constituents, creation of the Department of Labor and the Federal Trade Commission,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0870204262
• ISBN13: 9780870204265
• Release Date: August 2008
• Publisher: Wisconsin Historical Society Press
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Inspiring, Engaging, and Thoughtful - and Outstanding Biography!

Nancy C. Unger's "Fighting Bob La Follette - The Righteous Reformer" makes a timely and valuable contribution to the biographical record of one of America's greatest Senators and Statesmen. Unger's work easily stands on its own among other great biographies of Senator La Follette, including Belle Case and Fola La Follette's two-volume "Robert M. La Follette" and David Thelen's "The Early Life of Robert M. La Follette 1855 - 1884," among others. A refreshing reminder of what is possible when a politician becomes a Statesman and fights for what is right for all Americans. The book also provides a valid and insightful analysis of the strong influence La Follette's mother, extended family, and wife had on the development of his character, and on the values and motivation which compelled La Follette to an extraordinarily effective and selfless career in public service. America is long overdue for another such beneficent "shaper of democracy," and this book will provide effective food for thought for any true patriot willing to lay down his life for the good of his country. An important book, inspiring, and enjoyable.

Insightful and Thorough

I found Dr. Unger's book on Bob LaFollette to be insightful and thorough. In a provocative way, the author challenges some of the common beliefs about LaFollette, and creates a new awareness of his contributions to political history.

Outstanding!

Nancy Unger has written an outstanding and insightful biography of one of turn-of-the-century America's most influential political figures. Indeed, it is the first full-scale biography of Robert M. La Follette of Wisconsin. For anyone seeking to understand the Progressive Era this book is a must read, for Unger's subject was at the center of the defining reform struggles of the age - from women's rights and corporate regulation, to labor and political reform. Drawing upon a vast collection of private papers and primary sources, Unger brings to life not only the public persona of "Fighting Bob" but also the private La Follette that few people know about. We learn, for example, how his early life struggles shaped his personality (for good and for ill), as well as how much he relied upon his wife, suffragist and reformer Belle Case La Follette, for advice and strength. Written in a lively yet balanced style, this book greatly adds to our knowledge of a complex and fascinating man and era.

Fighting Bob Comes Alive

This is an excellent biography of a most worthy subject. Nancy Unger provides readers with a vivid and often entertaining account of one of the most important American political figures of the early twentieth century. Crucial to Unger's effectiveness is her dedication to balanced histocial writing. Her portrayal of La Follette is multifacted. It is political and personal. La Follette comes to life for the reader, not only enroute to his many political successes but also amid his failures and personal shortcomings. Unger's lauditory praise of her subject is deserving and her sharp criticisms are valid and substantiated. La Follette was an influential and flawed champion of democacy and social equity, and interested readers will thoroughly enjoy this insightful retelling of his life story.

Clear and Direct History Writing

As a public library director with a special interest in the Progressive era, I found Fighting Bob LaFollette by Unger exactly what I seek in history writing. It has the strengths of all solid history in its sources but the author draws on other fields, in particular medicine, to broaden our understanding. More than a century ago, LaFollette said "We are one people" and recognized the importance of minority groups shaping their own future. Before the mass media and big money took over political campaigns, Progressive reformers focused on the needs of average people. In three-hour speeches, LaFollette fought for what was needed and was the right thing for the nation to do. The author's direct and clear prose brings the reformer and the times to life. We can learn much from the book for our time.