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A Man and His Presidents
The Political Odyssey of William F. Buckley Jr.
Synopsis
A new understanding of William F. Buckley, the man who changed the face of American politics
"Deeply researched and smoothly written. . . . A superb political biography."-Lee Edwards, Wall Street Journal
"Will appeal to both conservatives and liberals seeking to understand 'democratic politics' and Buckley's accomplishments as an author, commentator, and leader."-Library Journal, Starred Review
William F. Buckley Jr. is widely regarded as the most influential American conservative writer, activist, and organizer in the postwar era. In this nuanced biography, Alvin Felzenberg sheds light on little-known aspects of Buckley's career, including his role as back-channel adviser to policy makers, his intimate friendship with both Ronald and Nancy Reagan, his changing views on civil rights, and his break with George W. Bush over the Iraq War.
Felzenberg demonstrates how Buckley conveyed his message across multiple platforms and drew upon his vast network of contacts, his personal charm, his extraordinary wit, and his celebrity status to move the center of political gravity in the United States closer to his point of view. Including many rarely seen photographs, this account of one of the most compelling personalities of American politics will appeal to conservatives, liberals, and even the apolitical.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
"Deeply researched and smoothly written. . . . A superb political biography."-Lee Edwards, Wall Street Journal
"A gracefully written and richly informative book."-Damon Linker, New York Times
"Insightful. . . . this well-researched work will appeal to both conservatives and liberals seeking to understand 'democratic politics' and Buckley's accomplishments as an author, commentator, and leader."-William D. Pederson, Library Journal (starred review)
"Al Felzenberg shows in this fine political biography . . . that Buckley was ahead of his time when it came to promoting his views: cross-pollinating every form of media, leveraging relationships behind the scenes, and blending all this with the allure of lifestyle (his own) and entertainment (that celebrated wit)."-Cullen Murphy, Vanity Fair
"William F. Buckley was the most consequential journalist of his era because he always was much more than a journalist. This is a brisk, groundbreaking examination of Buckley's history-shaping role as a tireless and sometimes audacious political operative."-George F. Will
"History comes alive as this lively and important book takes us on a trip covering Bill Buckley's views of twentieth-century presidents."-Former U.S. Secretary of State George P. Shultz
"Here is the political Buckley, a revelation of range and influence, wit, friendship, inexhaustible letter-writing, and a subtle evolution of views. As always with Buckley, love of the language came first."-James K. Galbraith, author of Welcome to the Poisoned Chalice: The Destruction of Greece and the Future of Europe
"Alvin Felzenberg tells the inside story of William F. Buckley, Jr.'s relations--intimate, supportive, adversarial--with American presidents over forty years. A fascinating peek behind the curtain."-Richard Brookhiser, author of Founders' Son: A Life of Abraham Lincoln
"Al Felzenberg's fascinating tour de force of research comes at the perfect time in American history, providing a sharp understanding of the continuing attraction of a key figure shaping our politics today."-Cokie Roberts, author and political commentator for NPR and ABC News