"Spokesman for Democracy" tells the story of Claude Bowers, an Indianan from modest beginnings, whose passions and talents led him to positions of prestige and influence as a journalist, orator, political advisor, historian, and diplomat. Inspired by Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson's notions of democracy, Bowers tirelessly pursued the causes of populism, progressivism, and the New Deal at the state, national and international level.Bowers began his work from outside the political establishment as a journalist, but quickly moved to a prominent place within the Democratic party because of his strengths as a public speaker and political tactician. He consorted with the most important political figures in Indiana, New York, and Washington D.C., including the Roosevelts, Kennedys, Robert Wagner, Cordell Hull, and Eugene Debs. His political ascendance, and his interest in international politics, eventually led to a six-year appointment as ambassador to Spain.After the fall of the Spanish Republic to fascism, Bowers served a fourteen-year stint as ambassador to Chile, hoping, as in Spain, to promote moderate liberal reformers. Bowers interests and influence were not limited to politics. His biography on Thomas Jefferson and history of Reconstruction were highly regarded and widely read. He also enjoyed his associations with many nationally renowned artists and celebrities, counting among his many friends Ernest Hemingway and Theodore Dreiser. Sehlinger and Hamilton have skilfully woven the events of Bower's eventful life into an engaging narrative while also illuminating Bower's ideals, ambitions, talents, and limitations. A comprehensive story, "Spokesman for Democracy" will both inform and entertain. This title is distributed for the Indiana Historical Society.
