Kindle
$10.99
Available instantly
Hardcover
$18.90
Paperback
$7.18
Buy new:
-21% $18.90
FREE delivery August 15 - 19
Ships from: KTSLLC
Sold by: KTSLLC
$18.90 with 21 percent savings
List Price: $23.95

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
FREE delivery August 15 - 19. Details
Or fastest delivery Wednesday, August 14. Order within 8 hrs 38 mins. Details
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$18.90 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$18.90
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
KTSLLC
Ships from
KTSLLC
Sold by
KTSLLC
Sold by
KTSLLC
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. You may receive a partial or no refund on used, damaged or materially different returns.
Read full return policy
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. You may receive a partial or no refund on used, damaged or materially different returns.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$11.36
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
100% satisfaction guaranteed. Ships directly from Amazon with Prime shipping. 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Ships directly from Amazon with Prime shipping. See less
FREE delivery Tuesday, August 20 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Wednesday, August 14. Order within 38 mins.
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$18.90 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$18.90
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Michael Graham
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Redneck Nation: How the South Really Won the War Hardcover – October 30, 2002

by Michael Graham (Author)
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 28 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$18.90","priceAmount":18.90,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"18","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"90","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"YF9667q7aQDkECKadJVkKUvSk8%2FXgOdNebVx%2Bw8u%2BRBsjNZpRSFbXhRPGLs%2BgBJAdksAWhsuAbn3ke%2FedsHS2Ed4Dh88LWw5pnod7DSLyXOU%2FZ0vxuwmNTgdbcpmhx%2B9m1iVnxijWJ%2FRgTuexqtyPiTClwsUyVgimFInYSSH2Y6o%2BwGirH6n2R2BmHTuItGh","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$11.36","priceAmount":11.36,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"11","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"36","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"YF9667q7aQDkECKadJVkKUvSk8%2FXgOdNXOSpdm58I%2BbOwDt%2FEj8Kf%2BRasFVHIGPNAjuP%2FMbb4tT%2F1jcmeOHDnI3aqdjiQbXqAhLti7%2FmPGlu28Na2RwZu4XVEuncsyt0%2F7Xoq3ot2FTDy3miaDX9vCS4%2B%2Fqg1%2BKORLJ7fc0whrGali9pcosAZpkhHQevdKGy","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

The political observer and humorist offers evidence to prove his theory that the ideas, pastimes, and prejudices attributed to the South--including racism, conspiracy theories, and professional wrestling--have been adopted by the nation as a whole.
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Warner Books
  4. Publication date
    October 30, 2002
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 1 x 8.63 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0446528846
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0446528849
  8. See all details
Next slide of product details
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Despite having lost the Civil War, the South has somehow managed to win the "battle of ideas" across our nation, contends radio talk-show host Graham in this hilarious collection of essays covering such topics as Enron, the public school system, free speech, multiculturalism, racism and the "supreme triumph of the Redneck nation." Using quotes from H.L. Mencken, Gallup poll statistics and plenty of firsthand experience, the author examines this peculiar phenomenon with a cynical wit that spares no one, including himself. He begins by explaining the difference between the North and South, specifically between South Carolina, where he grew up, and New York, where he often traveled ("New Yorkers pretend they've read books they haven't. Southerners deny reading the ones they have"). Drawing from his own childhood in Dixie ("a land of few ideas, nearly all of them bad"), his college years at Oral Roberts University (which combined "the intellectual rigor of a Sunday school picnic with the sound theological theories of a slumber party s‚ance") and the 27 years he's spent running away from the South, Graham wittily illustrates "Redneck" infiltration into mainstream politics through conspiracy theories, victim mentality (as witnessed by the popularity of such national programs as the Jerry Springer show) and segregation, in a book readers won't be able to put down.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

""I can't remember the last time I read a political book as witty and incisive..." -- Tucker Carlson

"...An adroit and devastating cultural analysis with at least one laugh on every page..." -- Florence King

"...dispels the Southern stereotype. Perfect for reading in bed with your sister." -- Bill Maher

"Graham is the funniest political observer in the country..." -- Chris Matthews

"Michael Graham's REDNECK NATION is funny and insightful. You'll really enjoy it." -- G. Gordon Liddy

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Warner Books; 1st Edition 1st Printing (October 30, 2002)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0446528846
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0446528849
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1 x 8.63 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 28 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Leader of an elite SAS special forces team fighting Russian and Chinese backed terrorists in Africa during the Cold War years, and now best selling author.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
28 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

KLDNV
5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful observations about this country of ours.
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2024
Verified Purchase
The self confessed southerner seemed a tad harsh discussing his southern countrymen, but cleared that perception up before the end. The author could spend a bit more time up north away from the cities and find essentially the same rednecks as down south, with a slightly different cuisine and accent. Fun read if you know either geographical type of redneck.
Helpful
 Report
KThall
5.0 out of 5 stars schollarly redneck historical reference
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2010
Verified Purchase
Mr. Grahm through his thorough his extensive research and entertaining writing style presents a totally unecpected viewpoint on American culture.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Kindle Customer
2.0 out of 5 stars Boring liberal bashing political "humor"
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2004
Verified Purchase
Thinking this was going to be southern humor a la (that's French folks) Jeff Foxworthy, with a non-partisan bit of government-ribbing thrown in for flavor and originality, imagine my dissapointment when this just turned into another liberal bashing piece of tripe. If you're a 30 something white male entrepeneur who sits in his garage all day listening to talk radio and believeing it, you'll love this.
I however, did not. Good 'ol boy Graham has some shame about being raised in the South. A few months of therapy would probably fix that right up, but that's what liberals do, so instead he has found an external source to blame for his pain: everyone else, particularly Northern liberals. Graham's judgement occured after wide contact with liberals at parties and such where one other guest would confide their secret bigotry, or affection for something southern and low brow. Obviously one can extrapolate then that the whole room is full of closet bigots, and if the whole room is guilty... well, you get the idea.
I would have given it one star, except for the fact that Graham does inadvertently touch upon one truth, American culture ain't what it used to be. NASCAR, Fear Factor, etc is evidence of this. I for one, however, would prefer to believe that afficionados of both are mainly right-wing idiots underserved by our education system. Keep 'em dumb and distracted and they'll vote Republican even if it means a decrease in their rights and privilges in the end.
14 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Lani Schwalbe
5.0 out of 5 stars All the stuff you wish wasn't true....
Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2002
Let's suppose, for a minute, that your impression of America is of a place where the best rises to the top, where the backwards days of racism and good ol' boy networks are long gone, where stupidity is challenged and intelligence is rewarded.
If that's how you feel, I'm not saying you shouldn't read Graham's book... I'm just saying you should sit down with a nice, stiff drink before you do.
Graham's book is a rapid-fire presentation of tell-me-it's-not-true facts and rapier wise-guy commentary, asserting that while it's commonly accepted that the northern ideals of meritocracy, anti-racism and accountability won over the backwards southern society of the 1960's, in fact it was the south that won. According to Graham, today we live in a culture of whining, victimized, racist idiots - and he piles up the proof so high that by the end I predict you'll be crying either from laughter or depression, or perhaps a combination of both.
Graham has presented a tight, witty volume full of stuff you'll wish he was making up - but he's not. Oh, man. I need a drink.
29 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Michael Caracappa
4.0 out of 5 stars Fine chronicle of a nation gone to seed
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2008
On page 14, Michael Graham writes: "[T]he Civil War was a classically southern enterprise: A handful of clods -- without an army or a navy --come up with the lousy idea of starting a war, and their fellow Southerners are too polite to tell them how stupid they are. After attacking Fort Sumter, the South proceeds to get its [...] kicked from Appomattox to Yazoo City, then announces, 'We never wanted slavery, anyway,' and blames the whole thing on the Yankees."

Too bad REDNECK NATION was written before the Iraq War because Graham could have played up the similarities between his view of the Civil War and the Iraq invasion to bolster his argument that America has become a nation of yokels. In both wars, you had a Southerner leading a "handful of clods...starting a war." Both wars were instigated "without an army or a navy" -- in the case of the Iraq War, it was without an army or a navy capable of nation building or suppressing a guerrilla insurgency. Both wars at the outset had a delusional "Mission Accomplished" moment -- Fort Sumter and Bush's photo-op in a flight suit. In both wars, the rationale for war flip-flopped. For the Civil War, the belligerents' rationale switched from defending slavery to defending "states rights." For the Iraq War, the belligerents' rationale switched from eliminating a "grave and gathering threat" to America's security to spreading democracy throughout the Middle East.

Graham identifies rampant cronyism as another symptom of why we are now a Redneck Nation. Cronyism was once part of the accepted way of life in the South, but is now assented to throughout the country. Graham says that in southern culture, whom you know has long been more important than what you know. Personal connections in the South trump merit or individual competence. He could have noted that the Bush administration raised cronyism to unprecedented heights in selecting contractors to operate in Iraq. For reasons of charity, we won't mention Katrina.

Graham says that people in the South judge you based on the "Who's your daddy?" principle. If you wield an important last name, doors open for you in the South, regardless of your education or proven abilities. He cites Hillary CLINTON as a modern nationwide instance of someone with minimal accomplishments whose advancement is based almost exclusively on the prominence of her last name. Not surprisingly (Graham is a stanch Republican), he's silent on whether George W. BUSH would have become a Texas governor and a president of the United States without the Bush family name.

Graham's right-wing blinders undermine his arguments at times. For instance, Graham decries "the progressive income tax...we insist that people who excel be punished for their efforts." Graham is contrasting today's society with the Golden Age of Meritocracy of the 1950s and '60s. Graham apparently doesn't know that the income tax was far more steeply progressive during the Golden Age of Meritocracy, with the highest incomes taxed at a 90 percent marginal rate. He also doesn't seem to comprehend that the gap between the rich and the middle class is about as wide as it has ever been, exceeding even the era of the robber barons and the great trusts, despite our "punishing" progressive income tax.

How much are we "punishing" billionaire hedge fund managers -- who, by the way, are lightly taxed thanks to a convenient loophole in the tax code?

Graham equates a high income with excellence of achievement. We don't want to "punish" excellence. But look around. The CEO of Countrywide Credit earned $[...] million in one year while he drove his company into a ditch. Other CEOs in the financial sector also made insanely risky bets with the shareholders' money. Those CEOs earned tens of millions of dollars before the bets went sour, then earned additional tens of millions in severance pay when the board of trustees belatedly booted them from office. Is this the sort of excellence Graham worries that a progressive income tax punishes?

Over all, though, Graham hits the right notes in exploring the steep decline of American society and culture. The Second American Enlightenment, which ran from roughly FDR to JFK, is now a distant memory. Graham defines the mindset that held sway during that period of enlightenment as "Northernism" (page 10): "Northernism represented meritocracy, the celebration of individual ability and achievement over race, class, and family connections. It represented culture, people who listened to jazz and attended operas without the word 'Ol' in the title. Northernism held high the standard of reason and demanded that all traditions and superstitions and heartfelt prejudices be measured by that standard."

An excellent history of Graham's "Northernism" of the 1950s is William F. Buckley Jr's limpid and mellifluous GOD AND MAN AT YALE. Of course, Buckley's goal was to destroy "Northernism" (reason, skepticism, enlightenment) and reinvigorate religious enthusiasm. Buckley probably deserves as much credit as anyone for begetting the America of today, a Redneck Nation.
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report