Huey Long by T. Harry Williams
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Book Reviews of Huey Long
Book Review: Though 30 years old, still the definitive Kingfish biography
Summary: 5 Stars
Many on-line reviews of the book critique it as "slow", "plodding", "pro-Long", etc. Any definitive biography by definition covers all available detail on the life of its subject. Harry Williams does that indeed. In fact, by the standards of biographers such s Barbara Tuchmann, it is somewhat restrained. It is probably impossible to be ambivalent regarding Huey Long, but Willimas does look at hims as objectively as could be imagined. He seems to separate Huey the man- often coarse and boorish- with Long the master politician. Indeed, in the chapter "Power Unto Himself", he points out that Long changed, with the focus of his efforts shifting from what he could do for Louisiana to what he could do for himself. It is a masterful book, and after reading it, one feels tempted to style oneself as an authority on Long. If there is a serious shortcoming, there is no epiloug to analyze the Long legacy, itself huge as personified by brother Earl and son Russell.Book Review: Wonderful!
Summary: 5 Stars
This was one of the better biographies I've ever read. It was entertaining from start to finish and gave a detailed portrait of the man that was Huey Long, as well as of the world of Great Depression era Louisiana politics. Long was a flamboyant and interesting character. His politics while effective in most cases, were extremely divisive. He was among the first to take advantage of radio and ran extremely sophisticated political campaigns for his time. The book relies heavily on interviews with those who knew him and contains many highly entertaining stories about him. The one minor criticism of the book it that it doesn't talk much about the aftermath of his death. (Long was shot by the son-in-law of a political enemy shortly after he became a national figure and as he was preparing to challenge FDR for the presidency.) All in all, it is an excellent and entertaining read.Book Review: Living large in Louisiana
Summary: 5 Stars
Huey Long was one of the most fascinating characters in American history and T. Harry Williams tells his story better than anyone else. Long rose from absolutely abject poverty to become perhaps the most powerful political leader in Louisiana history and for a time, one of the most influential leaders in the US. This hick from the sticks went to the big city and made good.
The Kingfish was, of course, corrupt, but was genuinely populist. He fought for better education for the poor, the right to organize labor unions, and he pushed adult literacy, which mainly benefited African-Americans. His public works projects employed thousands and built hundreds of roads and bridges. He fought the entrenched and powerful interests in favor of the common man.
T. Harry Williams' work is simply the best on the man and the politician.
Book Review: Huey Long is God.
Summary: 5 Stars
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Summary: 5 Stars
Other than Lincoln, Huey Long is the most interesting figure in American political history. Brilliant, outrageous, effective, a seeker of social justice and hope for the poor; a truly great speaker.
This biography is the best I've ever read of a political figure. Absolutely compelling. Huey's magnetic personality comes through the pages in a way that should be a model for all biographers: but then, there aren't many figures who are as fun to read about as Huey. There has been no one like him; nor is there another biography like this one. I'm reading it for the fourth time, and it is still hypnotic.