From Publishers Weekly
Weisberger ( From Sea to Shining Sea: A History of the United States ) here presents a carefully researched biography of the La Follettes, leaders in the Midwest Progressive movement that flourished in the late 1800s. Charismatic Robert (1855-1925) and his wife Bell (1859-1931) shared a commitment to democratic government and dedicated themselves to fighting corporate monopolies and corrupt politicians. As governor of Wisconsin (1901-1906) and a U.S. Senator (1906-1925), Robert sponsored many civic reforms. Opposed to WW I, he was denounced publicly by President Wilson. The La Follettes' three children, raised in an atmosphere of political idealism, were also activists. Their son Robert, who committed suicide in 1953, succeeded his father to the Senate; Phil, too, followed his father's path by becoming governor of Wisconsin; Fola, an actress, worked for women's suffrage. Weisberger's study is most successful as a family portrait; it is less compelling as a chronicle of the Progressive movement. Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Weisberger's collective biography of the La Follette family is both an intimate portrait of a close-knit clan and a fascinating political history of the progressive movement that flourished around the turn of the century. Considered one of the architects of progressivism, Robert ("Fighting Bob") La Follette instituted a variety of governmental reforms during his brief stint as governor of Wisconsin (1901-06) and his more lengthy tenure as a U.S. senator (1906-25). Under Bob La Follette's dedicated leadership, Wisconsin enjoyed a well-deserved reputation as one of the most modern and dynamic states in the country. While raising their four children in the tradition of public duty and service to the community, Bob and his wife, Belle, a freethinking journalist, suffragette, and law school graduate, maintained an extraordinarily loving and supportive relationship and remained ardently committed to a wide range of liberal social programs. Following the example of their remarkable parents, the next generation of La Follettes entered the political arena and endured both public triumph and personal tragedy. A compelling chronicle of the rise and fall of a significant American political dynasty. Recommended for larger American political history collections and where regional interest warrants acquisition. Margaret Flanagan
