George Wallace: American Populist (Paperback)

~ (Author) "MORE THAN MOST people, George Wallace was a creature of his time and place, and his ideas, ideals, and actions reflected his roots in the..." (more)
Key Phrases: special sec, ballot position, black protesters, George Wallace, New York, Barbour County (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A substantial, authorized biography of the Alabama governor whose racist posturing in the 1960s overshadowed his political career.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Former Alabama governor and presidential candidate George Wallace is remembered primarily for his opposition to racial integration in the 1960s and 1970s. Journalist Lesher's biography provides ample documentation, if any is needed, that Wallace encouraged racism and benefited from it in his campaigns. However, Lesher also argues that Wallace recognized and tapped a strain of populist sentiment in American politics that later politicians as different as Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton successfully used to further their own political careers. Moreover, he asserts that "every successful presidential campaign from 1968 through 1992 was founded on popular issues and rhetoric first identified and articulated by Wallace." This may be an exaggeration, but it is true that many contemporary politicians have more in common with Wallace than they would be comfortable acknowledging. The most comprehensive biography available of Wallace; highly recommended for academic libraries.
- Thomas H. Ferrell, Univ. of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 624 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (January 20, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201407981
• ISBN-13: 978-0201407983
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #859,844 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Objectively written, December 1, 1999

By	CD Brookins (San Diego) - See all my reviews

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, October 8, 1999

By A Customer

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.