Customer Reviews

The Klan Unmasked

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Kennedy first released this book in 1954, the 1990 edition includes some practical ideas to fight Klan and other neo-fascist organizations in an afterword.

This book is a very easy read, conversational in tone, and compelling in content. Mr. Kennedy outlines his infiltration into the headquarters chapter of the KKK in Atlanta and the Columbia Brownshirt organization there, and his undercover hob-knobbing with violent racists and hatemongers, and the colorful illiterates and semi-literates that made up the membership of the Klan and their fellow travellers. He put his life in danger many times confronting the evil, brutal and stupid nature of southern racists.

Another compelling part of the story is the complicity of the police, FBI, the Democratic machine of the Talmadge family, (who rode the upsurge in Klan violence to national political prominence), and the Republican businessmen of the south who paid Klansmen to help bust union drives by busting heads and nightriding.

He also spends alot of time detailing Klan rituals and meetings, and the seemingly neverending lists of Kleagles, Kludds, etc. that made up the hoodoo hierarchy of the Klan organization. It seems like never had so much empty ritual been used in attempt to 'sanctify' such mindless violence.

A good book that gives a good cross-section of what Klan terror and rightist violence was all about in the 1940s and 1950s.

A must read. Steson Kennedy tells the true story about his infiltration into The KKK of the forties and fifties in the deep south. This eye opening true story will keep any reader on the edge of their seat!

A friend originally recommended this book to me, I was initially put off by the subject matter. The Klan is not really something I wanted to know about, also the book was written long before I was born, so I wasn't overly excited about it. However, I am so glad I did read it, because not only is Kennedy a hero (for infiltrating the Klan at it's most powerful), he is also a fantastic writer. This book reads like a thriller, but it's all true. I think this book would appeal to many people, from a wide cross section of society, even if, like me, they don't think so at first. I have bought copies for friends and family, and have received positive feedback from them. This book warrants its five star rating.

This book is a true story based upon Stetson Kennedy's inflirtration into the Ku Klux Klan. This book shows how the Klan used it political and economic powers to persuade the American Government in their favor. This book will give any reader a better idea of the corruption that runs through out our government. The author Stetson Kennedy is a true hero. Stetson Kennedy fought for liberty, equality and justice. It's unfortunate that most people will never hear of the great things that Mr. Kennedy did to help achieve the ideals that we should always be striving for.

This book is an awesome account of Kennedy's time in the Klu Klux Klan. I enjoyed reading every page of this book. Kennedy has got to be one of the bravest men ever. At times this book had me really nervous wondering wat was gonna happen to him. I recommend this book to anyone that wants to learn more about the KKK or anyone that just enjoys a good read.

This book is set in the deep south of Georgia, mainly in the years following World War II. The Klan Unmasked is the true story of the author, Stetson Kennedy, in an undercover battle with the famed white supremacist group, the Ku Klux Klan. He decides the best way to bring the Klan to its knees is to go undercover as a Klan member and get the dirt on the Klan into the public eye. A few characters help Kennedy on his mission including Dan Duke, the Assistant Attorney General of Georgia. Many minor characters are in leagues with the KKK whom Kennedy `befriends', while working against them. The opposition to Kennedy is the KKK, certain political leaders, and white supremacists across the nation.
Normally I never read nonfiction; I usually find it boring. However, when I read the back cover of The Klan Unmasked, it really peaked my interest. After reading maybe ten pages, I knew I was going to enjoy this book. The reason this book was such a good read is attributed to the author's ability to keep the suspense element flowing throughout the entire book. There is always something new happening, something devious the Klan is conjuring. There were some points in the book where I was really thirsting for more detail and explanation. Sometimes it seemed as though Kennedy assumed his readers knew the background information, when the information just wasn't there. Reading The Klan Unmasked truly opened my eyes to the atrocities of the KKK in the Deep South. The author gets your attention well and really makes you know this stuff was going on. I would suggest this book to a reader who won't take offense over racial slurs or some violence. You should read this book if you dislike the Ku Klux Klan, because this one will really empower and enlighten you. Do not read this book if you are in any way affiliated with the KKK; you'll only become angry.

This is an interesting read about, lets face it, the clan at a time when it was still large in some areas but not near as large, powerful, and influential as it was in earlier days. This was the new all southern democrat Klan. Not as much teeth or pull but still an active terrorist organization. Controversy about credits given by the author aside, it was an interesting view into the lives of Klan members, their ritual and traditions, aspirations both social and political, etc...Its an interesting look into a long standing American hate group at a time when it still had a bit of influence.

During the period of time that author Stetson Kennedy served as an undercover FBI agent, Gay Edgar Hoover had little taste, or interest in, using his little Hoovers to unmask those with whom he was in sympathy--The Klan. The director, who fought the American inquisition as a file clerk, instead relished opportunities to hound members of the American left--ranging from hard core members of the American CPUSA to liberal and progressive organizations opposing American policy across the globe.

Kennedy's book is a story of the adventures of one man to unmask and expose members and organizations of the extreme American right. The frustrated, ignorant, uneducated, bigoted who view the American dream as a nightmare for them. A dream which gives everyone else a chance but them.

The story of the Klan is well known. Kennedy brings the reader inside the organization of white sheet wearing ignoramuses and bigots populating the American political underworld.

It is a book to read which reminds us that despite the outward veneer of civilization, there exists pockets of alienated and dangerous people ready to use resentment, bigotry and hatred for their own ends.

A good read for a journey into the netherworld of darkness.