Every Man A King: The Autobiography Of Huey P. Long [Paperback]

Huey P. Long (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 22, 1996

Huey Long (1893–1935) was one of the most extraordinary American politicians, simultaneously cursed as a dictator and applauded as a benefactor of the masses. A product of the poor north Louisiana hills, he was elected governor of Louisiana in 1928, and proceeded to subjugate the powerful state political hierarchy after narrowly defeating an impeachment attempt. The only Southern popular leader who truly delivered on his promises, he increased the miles of paved roads and number of bridges in Louisiana tenfold and established free night schools and state hospitals, meeting the huge costs by taxing corporations and issuing bonds. Soon Long had become the absolute ruler of the state, in the process lifting Louisiana from near feudalism into the modern world almost overnight, and inspiring poor whites of the South to a vision of a better life. As Louisiana Senator and one of Roosevelt's most vociferous critics, "The Kingfish," as he called himself, gained a nationwide following, forcing Roosevelt to turn his New Deal significantly to the left. But before he could progress farther, he was assassinated in Baton Rouge in 1935. Long's ultimate ambition, of course, was the presidency, and it was doubtless with this goal in mind that he wrote this spirited and fascinating account of his life, an autobiography every bit as daring and controversial as was The Kingfish himself.

Product Details

• Paperback: 412 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (March 22, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306806959
• ISBN-13: 978-0306806957
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #363,355 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Let History Decide, October 15, 2003

By 

Steven Hugh Wilson "support442" (vera, ok United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Every Man A King: The Autobiography Of Huey P. Long (Paperback)

This fascinating piece of work 'written' by Huey P. Long during the height of his reign was intended to promote his 'legend and legacy', toward the goal of becoming President of the United States in 1936. However, it is best understood from the perspective of modern times.

Huey P. Long has forever been portrayed as the personification of all that is evil in American Politics. American school children outside the State of Louisiana have been taught that Long, if left unchecked, would have destroyed American Democracy as we know it and replaced it with the most corrupt Dictatorship imaginable.

Indeed, History has given Long a 'bad rap'. 'Every Man a King' is Huey Long's side of the story. Calling himself the 'friend of the working man', Long's brief but turbulent rise through American politics is unmatched by anyone in the 20th century. He was the Establishment's worst nightmare- a true Populist who really 're-distributed the wealth'. He took on the task of taxing the rich oil companies and other business interests in Louisiana and used the money to build roads, schools, and hospitals. His accomplishments are indisputable, and the moneyed interests absolutely hated him. His own abrasive and sometimes buffoon-like personality only fueled the fire for his enemies. But make no mistake about it, Long was a brilliant man and an extremely savvy politician who posed a serious threat to the status quo.

Long has been dead nearly 70 years, yet his detractors still vehemently accuse him of 'robbing the people blind' during his reign. I say 'let history be the judge'. As late as the 1980's, most of the existing paved roads, schools, and hospitals in Louisiana were built during the Long administration.

After his election to the U.S. Senate, Long became a national figure and a serious contender for the 1936 Presidential nomination. His constituents were America's poor and working class, and his Socialist ideas hit a chord with many Americans during those depression-era times. There's no question that most of Roosevelt's 'New Deal' program was a (successful) attempt to 'steal Huey Long's thunder'.

Forget everything you've ever been taught about Huey Long and buy this book. There are two sides to every story, but history has only told us one side of the enigma that was Huey Long. This book will tell the other side. Read it and let history and your conscience decide whether Long was a sinner or a savior.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every Man a King, January 12, 2009

By 

Michael H. Hasten (Baton Rouge, LA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Every Man A King: The Autobiography Of Huey P. Long (Paperback)

Being somewhat a student of history and a Louisiana resident for 43 years, I find the blustery, self-promoting Huey Long to be surprisingly modest in his autobiography.
He passes off some of his greatest accomplishments -- providing free textbooks for all children enrolled in public and private schools, paving highways and constructing bridges to replace ferries -- in summary sentences while focusing in depth on the politics.
He even admits mistakes, like greeting German ambassadors in his pajamas.
The book is written in a conversational manner and is an easy, enjoyable read. His use of news articles ranting against his tactics is unexpected but he passes it off as their being a puppet of his arch enemy the Standard Oil Company, which is now Exxon.
It's easy to see why people either loved him or hated him. He was a champion of the common man while pocketing as much as he could along the way.
I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in how a small-town egomaniac can rise to power and wealth by inspiring the public and, at least in his eyes, doing it for the public good.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Truth, Fiction or Politics as usual, January 15, 2010

By 

Paul Brooks (New Hampshire) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Every Man A King: The Autobiography Of Huey P. Long (Paperback)

I have read several books concerning the New Deal and President Franklin Roosevelt. All commented upon that extraordinary political phenomenon from Louisiana: Huey P. Long. FDR is quotes as remarking that along with Douglas MacArthur, "He(Long)was one of the two most dangerous men in America". Huey Long is today just a footnote in American History. His assassination in 1935 under very mysterious circumstances ended a promising political career.

I cannot comment as to the veracity of any of the "facts" presented in "Every Man A King". The reality is that Long was a consummate politician in a State and Era where "politics" was played fast and loose. Long had Presidential aspirations. What better way to burnishing one's image and extol one's political wisdom than in a self published autobiography.

It is hard to dislike this book. It has the "sound" of a 1930 southern politician dictating his thoughts, which were then typed verbatim. No wordsmith polished these sentences to appeal too more "educated" readers. Long includes extensive quotes from newspaper editorials and numerous footnote to buttress his case. The inclusion of several relevant Louisiana political cartoons from 1930's and photos of Long's public works projects add to the considerable charm of this book.

The De Capo Press edition is an exact reproduced of the original 1933 publication - including the attractive 1930's style typeface.