Nobody But the People

In Nobody but the People: The Life and Times of Alabama’s Youngest Governor, Trest demonstrates deep research and a natural talent for storytelling. Humorous anecdotes, poignant details, and revealing glimpses of both Patterson and peripheral characters, such as George C. Wallace, amplify the context and provide a pleasurable reading experience.

* The Journal of Southern History *

The book Nobody But the People is actually written by Warren Trest, but Patterson worked closely with Trest and has been on the circuit promoting its release. From his role in cleaning up organized crime in Phenix City, to a tumultuous term as governor, to the transition to a respected jurist Patterson’s political career has had many acts and Nobody But the People chronicles them all.

* Doc’s Political Parlor *

A handful of black-and-white photographs illustrate this compelling, true-life story of Patterson and the many achievements he made during his four-year administration—achievements that are all too often overlooked when examining his stance on civil rights. Highly recommended, and a welcome addition to American biography and Alabama state history collections.

* Midwest Book Review *

In Nobody But the People, Warren Trest has given us a thoroughly readable and fair-minded account of John Patterson's career, which was one of the most important in Alabama's recent history. As governor of the state from 1959-63, Patterson's inclinations on issues ranging from public education to the building of roads were noble and progressive. But on the issue of race, he was caught in the tragic time warp of his place, and Trest explores those failings with honesty and heart. The result is a subtle portrait of a complicated man, who has had the courage to admit his mistakes. In telling this important and multi-layered story, Trest has given us a history that is vivid and alive.

* author of Cradle of Freedom: Alabama and the Movement That Changed America *

Warren Trest's account is … detailed in its documentation, with footnotes aplenty to suit any academic historian. Part of his meticulousness could be due to the intent to have this be the definitive history of Patterson's era.

* The Anniston Star *

This biography of John Patterson by Warren Trest offers inside stories of dramatic and monumental events in the history of Alabama. The author tells Patterson’s story in a highly readable, narrative style.

* First Draft *

Patterson who was born in Goldville in 1921, and lived in Alexander City while his father practiced law from 1929 to 1933, said he agreed to do the biography because he wanted there to be a historical record of his family. He said the reason for the delay in having a biography published is simple. 'History just can't be told about something until it is at least 50 years old,' he said. 'The important thing for me about the book is being able to have a historical record of my family but especially of my father.'

* The Outlook *

Appropriate for public and university libraries and would be enjoyed by those interested in Alabama politics and history.

* The Alabama Review *

[A] poetic and detailed tome.

* Ledger-Enquirer *

Independent scholar Trest analyzes the complex human being who, after all the violence and hatred, was still able to get significant reforms passed that benefited all Alabama and rehabilitated his views to become a respected judge.

* Book News, In