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Tom Watson

Agrarian Rebel

C Vann Woodward author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc

Published:22nd Oct '87

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Tom Watson cover

This biography of Thomas E. Watson explores his complex legacy as a Southern Populist leader, revealing his transformation and impact on American politics.

In Tom Watson, the author delves into the complex life of Thomas E. Watson, a Southern Populist leader whose legacy is marked by both admiration and controversy. Watson, who was born before the Civil War, navigated a rapidly changing America, witnessing the transformation of society through the turn of the century and the aftermath of World War I. His involvement with the Populist movement, which aimed to unite various agricultural interests against the overwhelming tide of industrial capitalism, highlights a significant chapter in American political history. Despite the movement's eventual decline, its influence persisted, reflecting the deep-seated frustrations of the time.

The biography explores how these frustrations not only shaped the Populist movement but also transformed Watson himself. Over the years, he evolved from a liberal advocate to a figure associated with racial bigotry and mob leadership. The author, Mr. Woodward, utilizes a wealth of public and private writings to provide a nuanced portrayal of Watson, seeking to unravel the enigma surrounding his character and motivations. Through objective analysis, the book reveals how Watson's personal journey mirrored the tumultuous changes in American society.

Tom Watson ultimately presents a compelling narrative that captures the duality of Watson's life, illustrating how he was both a product of his time and a significant force in shaping it. This biography serves as a critical examination of a man whose actions and beliefs left an indelible mark on the political landscape of his era.

A model of its kind....A sympathetic understanding of broad social movements, a mature appreciation of character, an original interpretation of economic facts and factors, an incisive criticism of political techniques, and a literary style that is always vigorous and sometimes brilliant. * Henry Steele Commager, New York Herald Tribune Books *

ISBN: 9780195007077

Dimensions: 205mm x 135mm x 26mm

Weight: 450g

528 pages