Customer Reviews

Bossism and Reform in a Southern City: Lexington, Kentucky, 1880-1940

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In style and substance, James Duane Bolin's book represents a superb contribution to southern history--and to American history generally for that matter. Among other salient contributions, his book helps clarify the existence of a far more complex, nuanced southern history. Specifically, his closely, deeply researched study effectively introduces and explicates the significance of the South's urban past. Into the larger history of the city of Lexington, Kentucky, Bolin weaves the compelling story of Lexington's boss, Billy "King" Klair. As he skillfully traces the life and career of this remarkable, fascinating--and unlikely-- southern politician, Bolin draws the reader into the highly variegated cultural, political, and social history of the South in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

This book confounded and amazed me. James Duane Bolin is a truly brilliant author, and based on the acknowledgements of the book, I can tell he has a wonderful family, particularly his son, Wesley. If you have a hunkerin' for great literature, this is it. Think Tolstoy and Dickens all rolled together, except at least twice as better. Make a good choice. BUY THIS BOOK FOR YOURSELF, AND BUY IT FOR ALL OF THE PEOPLE YOU ARE ON A FIRST NAME BASIS WITH!!!! MAKES A GREAT STOCKING STUFFER!!!!