The Klan (Paperback)

by Patsy Sims (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
To assemble this 1978 volume on the notorious hate group, Sims interviewed its members, who were remarkably cooperative. Though it offers a history of the Klan, the book focuses mainly on present-day members. "A commendable effort is made toward comprehending both family backgrounds and individual factors that encouraged particular persons to seek membership" (LJ 11/1/78). This reissue updates their stories.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"If I had to read one book about the hooded order, it would be Patsy Sims's The Klan.-- Morris Dees, co-founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center and author of Gathering Storm." -- Morris Dees, co-founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center and author of Gather

"The interviews, plums in any reporter's pie, are fascinating studies enriched by the writer's research.-- Philadelphia Inquirer" -- Philadelphia Inquirer

"That her subjects talked so freely is a tribute to her skill.-- Publisher's Weekly" -- Publisher's Weekly

"Sims's classic 1978 study of the revitalized Invisible Empire, The Klan, has just been reissued.... There are obvious echoes of today's new militias in the seventies Klan rhetoric that Sims recreated verbatim.-- The Nation" -- The Nation

"Fascinative and valuable, perhaps the closest thing to a modern history yet compiled about the Klan movement.-- Chicago Tribune" -- Chicago Tribune

"Provides some excellent insight into the leadership of the 1970s Klan.-- Illinois Historical Journal" -- Illinois Historical Journal

"Readers interested in racism, the psychology of hate, civil rights, and all of the other issues revolving around the continuing 'American dilemma' will find this work to be a valuable addition to their library.-- JASAT" -- JASAT

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 332 pages
• Publisher: University Press of Kentucky; 2 edition (December 12, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081310887X
• ISBN-13: 978-0813108872
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #701,353 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 The Klan, March 1, 2001

By	"johnnyrebel" (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Klan (Hardcover)

This has got to be the most comprehensive look at the Klan that I have ever read. Her subjects talk to her as if they aren't afraid to reveal their secrets. It takes a talented author to make a klansman reveal the kind of stuff that is related in this book.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars American race sociology in the extreme, August 9, 2002

By	David Grim (Pittsburgh, PA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"The Klan" tells the story of the author's trek across the South and details the conversations she had with many active in the Klan movement. The first half of the book concentrates on her experiences with some of the minor figures in the movement. Most of these (Grand Dragons- statewide Klan leaders) were small personalities with half-formed ideas about racial inferiority and a half-baked sense of some "Jewish Conspiracy". Many of the subjects are poor and poorly educated. As the book progresses, Sims begins to reap the benefits of making connections within this marginalized culture. She begins to meet with some of the men jockeying for the national leadership of the various Klans (men like Robert Shelton, David Duke, and James Venerable). These types come off as much more eloquent, soft-spoken and professional about their racist views. And they are portrayed in a balanced way, with a genuine interest into their characters as men and leaders. Along the way, Sims picks up anecdotes about the history and significant events associated with the movement.

Using primary sources Sims presents an interesting window into the way these people view our society. There is ample speculation about membership numbers circa 1976 (the year in which much of the book was originally written), but the secrecy of the organization makes it impossible to find the truth.
Although those presented are the most radical examples of this brand of thought, I would venture to guess that a lot of lower and middle class whites in America have engaged in some watered down form of this thinking. I found myself confronting some of the perceptions and stereotypes I carry around with me, both about blacks AND whites.

The story of the Klan(s) is one of infighting, backstabbing and incompetence. But it is also about the very real frustrations, fears, and passions these people bring to the race issue in their everyday lives. It must have been very difficult for the author to remain openminded and hear what they had to say. I think she was able to make a fairly valiant effort.

4.0 out of 5 stars American race sociology from an extreme perspective...., August 9, 2002

By	David Grim (Pittsburgh, PA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Klan (Paperback)

"The Klan" tells the story of the author's trek across the South and details the conversations she had with many active in the Klan movement. The first half of the book concentrates on her experiences with some of the minor figures in the movement. Most of these (Grand Dragons- statewide Klan leaders) were small personalities with half-formed ideas about racial inferiority and a half-baked sense of some "Jewish Conspiracy". Many of the subjects are poor and poorly educated. As the book progresses, Sims begins to reap the benefits of making connections within this marginalized culture. She begins to meet with some of the men jockeying for the national leadership of the various Klans (men like Robert Shelton, David Duke, and James Venerable). These types come off as much more eloquent, soft-spoken and professional about their racist views. And they are portrayed in a balanced way, with a genuine interest into their characters as men and leaders. Along the way, Sims picks up anecdotes about the history and significant events associated with the movement.

Using primary sources Sims presents an interesting window into the way these people view our society. There is ample speculation about membership numbers circa 1976 (the year in which much of the book was originally written), but the secrecy of the organization makes it impossible to find the truth.
Although those presented are the most radical examples of this brand of thought, I would venture to guess that a lot of lower and middle class whites in America have engaged in some watered down form of this thinking. I found myself confronting some of the perceptions and stereotypes I carry around with me, both about blacks AND whites.

The story of the Klan(s) is one of infighting, backstabbing and incompetence. But it is also about the very real frustrations, fears, and passions these people bring to the race issue in their everyday lives. It must have been very difficult for the author to remain openminded and hear what they had to say. I think she was able to make a fairly valiant effort.