George Wallace: American Populist

By Stephan Lesher

Book Overview

A full-scale biography of the complex life and times of George Wallace, from rural poverty under Roosevelt to national prominence in the age of segregation
Alabama Governor George Wallace captured the national spotlight in fiery opposition to civil rights as one of the last great demagogues of the Jim Crow South. That image, however, has overshadowed his other and more lasting significance--as spokesman for a tide of working-class resentment and general opposition to big, intrusive government that persists to this day. As historian Alan Brinkley wrote in the New York Times, Wallace emerges in this biography as "the first of a new breed of protest politicians, the first to articulate themes that have no inherent racial content and that have now become a staple of American politics, having shaped every national campaign from Richard Nixon's in 1968 to Bill Clinton's and Ross Perot's in 1992." George Wallace explores the origins of Wallace's racism, his relentless dedication to his own political advancement, the influence of his public life on the nation, and his role as the embodiment of the dark side of our nation's politics--for America made George Wallace, not the other way around.

"A terrific read. George Wallace is both a serious book about American politics and a good old-fashioned yarn."--Washington Post

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0201407981
• ISBN13: 9780201407983
• Release Date: August 1970
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Length: 624 Pages
• Weight: 1.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Great Reference

Great reference book concerning George Wallace, so much so that it deserves 5 stars. I wouldn't pick it up and read it cover-to-cover on a whim, though.

Objectively written

This is one of the best books written about George Wallace, and by far, the most objective. While most writers tend to either praise or revile the former Alabama Governer, Mr. Lesher remains objective throughout the book. Not only does this book document Wallace's life and political career, it also details the impact that Wallace had on American Politics, an influence which is felt today. Overall, a superb read.

Good

It surprises me that this book is already out of print. I read every Wallace book I can find and this is the most complete I've seen.