The Militia Movement (Social Studies, Current Events) [Library Binding]

Ben Sonder (Author)

Book Description

Series: Social Studies, Current Events | Publication Date: March 2000

Discusses the history and philosophies of the far-right militia movement and its connections with hate groups and domestic terrorism.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In an informative guide to a frightening part of American society, Sonder casts some light on the shadowy world of right-wing hate and militia groups. After a discussion of the origins of the militia movement going back to the nineteenth century (the book's suggestion that Jesse and Frank James were precursors of the present militia movements is debatable), Sonder describes a variety of groups; their paranoid, hate-filled ideologies; and some of their illegal activities, with special focus on three major contemporary events: the tragedies at Ruby Ridge, Waco, and Oklahoma City. His coverage of the sequence of events at Ruby Ridge and Waco, and the effect those incidents had on far-right groups, is particularly good. Extensive notes, further readings (mostly adult books), and addresses and Web sites of groups that monitor the activities of right-wing groups are appended. Todd Morning
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• Library Binding: 128 pages
• Publisher: Franklin Watts (March 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531114058
• ISBN-13: 978-0531114056
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #454,486 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not too shabby: I'd give it a 2.75 (C+) if I could, February 7, 2001

By 

Kirsten A. Edwards "kannealmstedt" (Duvall, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Militia Movement: Fighters of the Far Right (Single Title: Social Studies) (Paperback)

The topic is interesting and the slim size adds to the appeal for kids and teens who need to write a report, but don't want to work too hard or read too much. Sonderberg certainly covers the basic history and characters of the modern U.S. militia movement. It's also the kind of book where the knowledge that the author is "a writer, editor, translator and screenwriter" (not, say an historian) helps you to appreciate the mildly sensationalist tone and cool cover: I can imagine teens picking it up to read out of natural curiousity. But it's not *that* well written (It's no HOT ZONE or MAN EATING BUGS, for example), it has skimpy black & white photos, and for teens who need to write a report, the quality of information is only so-so. If you've already got a copy, it can't hurt to keep it on the shelf: A couple tiny historical goofs and one major historical trend missed (Populism) don't detract too much from the basic overview. But if you need to buy another book on this topic, get the excellent HATE GROUPS from the folks at Opposing Viewpoints. You'll learn a lot.