Customer Reviews

Horace Greeley: Champion of American Freedom

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Robert C. Williams' "Horace Greeley" is an engaging and very readable historical narrative that is as much about the times and tribulations of mid-nineteenth century America as it is about its underappreciated subject, Horace Greeley. This book will appeal to anyone interested in pre-Civil War America. The decades culminating in the Civil War were extremely turbulent as the nation searched its soul for a consensus on the vaguely- defined "freedoms" promised by our Founding Fathers. Greeley was in the thick of this volatile political and moral debate, earnestly seeking ways to avoid the coming "irrepressible conflict."

Horace Greeley was a kind of 19th century "zelig," an opinion-leader who played an influential role in virtually every political and social movement of the mid-1800s. But Greeley was more than a bit player to the leading actors of his day. He was a bold and innovative journalist who molded the modern newspaper. While considered one of the founders of the Republican Party and a political kingmaker, he ran for president against Grant in 1872 in perhaps one of the most unusual and fascinating presidential elections in American history.

The author deserves high praise for debunking many myths surrounding Greeley's alleged eccentricities, stereotypes that often originated from the distortions of his mudslinging rivals. The author's dispassionate analysis, rooted in a deep understanding of the political and social crosscurrents of the era, succeeds in putting Greeley's seemingly contradictory stances and actions in an understandable context.

This is a very accessible and enjoyable read, betraying none of the dry or plodding style of some specialized history. The author's depth of knowledge and scrupulous research is evident on every page.

A fine life of a fascinating and, it seems, often infuriating man. It has fitted in with many of the good American history books I have been enjoying of late.It is well worth any reader's attention- though I find the author at times at little too determined to drive his points home- one gets them the first time!