Customer Reviews

A Nation of Lords: The Autobiography of the Vice Lords

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All's well. A Nation of Lords recalls the early years of Vice Lord and the origins of VL literature. A must read for every Vice Lord. The book can enlighten many youngsters to the path that the Lords deceased intented for this nation. Lords should take the ideas advocated in this book to heart. Only we can really alleviate any of the social problems within our communities. Continue on the mission, ALMIGHTY.

A NATION OF LORDS chronicles the transformation of one of Chicago's most notorious street gangs from ruthless criminals to community leaders and activists. It is at once a horrifying and inspiring account, a must read for anyone with an opinion on the racial and economic oppression that plagues this country.

An avid reader of true stories, I was truly pleased with this book. I couldn't put it down. I read this book 7 years ago and can read it again today with the same interest. I highly suggest readers to read this one. Three years ago, I loaned someone my original autographed copy that I received in 1992 hot off the presses and it was never returned. I am purchasing it today through Amazon.com and will soon have an autographed copy again to share with friends...Great Job David!

Dawley's account of life amongst Chicago's Vice Lords is gritty and gripping -- the story of this powerful gang is told in the voices of gang members. It is an informative, yet entertaining read. Dawley doesn't miss a point and doesn't once resort to sensationalism --- he objectiviely recounts an amazing true story, that is sensational in itself. I highly recommend this book to anyone conducting serious research, as well as someone who merely wants a good story to read.

A NATION OF LORDS tells a story that is -- on its face -- viscerally compelling and exciting, but below the surface examines humanity, the nature of social change and how people (or a single person) can have a positive affect on one's environment. The Vice Lords were a gang that redefined inner-city violence, but they ultimately became a social and political force to be reckoned with -- nonviolently fighting corruption in local Chicago government and elevating their impoverished community. It is a story of triumph and sacrifice for a greater good. And it is an inspiration -- one that will hopefully call future generations to similar action.

The book is very well written -- from a collective "we" perspective that serves as a voice for the body of Vice Lords. It is a heartfelt memorial to those that died along the way. And it is a time capsule of one of the most interesting and volitile political periods in American History.

I cannot stress enough how strong this book is -- and how much of an impact it has made on me and those to whom I've recommended it. I hope more people pick it up, learn about the Vice Lords and David Dawley and consider how they can be just as brave and make an impact on their lives and the world around them.

A violent but inspiring journey into what seems like Conrad's "Heart of Darkness." Much has changed since the Sixties, but A NATION OF LORDS remains instrutive as Dawley's success in moving an outlaw street gang into constructive community action offers lessons and encouragement for taking on the toughest challenges in urban development. A great read for anyone.

Much can and has been written about how important this book is, especially now. Few things I've ever read have said so much about the ability to transcend one's circumanstances and the opportunity to employ that momentum toward tremendous social change. Strangely, far less has been said about how wonderfully told the story is. Nation of Lords is an energetic and stirring read and is among the most charged social biographies ever written.

This book I thought would be entertaining to me. I found out it was written by a white man from New England who grew up in an upper class family and went to a fine university. He moved to the ghetto for 2 years to "hang" with the Black people and "try to get things done" as he says. I found it to be a book of propaganda sending messages to people about how blacks are mistreated. I am black myself and thought the book had some ok stories from news clippings but overall the book was junk. I wouldn't get this one. Try Uncle Tom's Cabin.