A Man and His Presidents: The Political Odyssey of William F. Buckley Jr.

Description

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. Cover Half Title Title Copyright Dedication Contents Preface ONE: In the Shadow of Woodrow, Lindbergh, and Franklin D. TWO: God and Bill at Yale THREE: Standing Athwart History FOUR: “Reading Dwight Eisenhower Out of the Conservative Movement” FIVE: The Editor, the Colossus, and the “Anti-Communist at Harvard” SIX: Sailing Against the New Frontier SEVEN: Bill, Barry, and the Birchers EIGHT: Part of the Way with LBJ NINE: “Demand a Recount” TEN: Buckley and Nixon: Mutual Suspicions ELEVEN: “Let the Man Go Decently” TWELVE: Bill and Ronnie: Preparing a President THIRTEEN: Bill and Ronnie: Advising a President FOURTEEN: Disappointed with G. H. W. Bush; Unsold on Clinton FIFTEEN: W: “Counting the Silver” SIXTEEN: The Ancient Truths Notes Acknowledgments Index A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z Illustrations