The Rise of a Prairie Statesman: The Life and Times of George McGovern Hardcover - 2016

From the rear cover

"The first installment of this much-anticipated biography of George McGovern is here, and it delivers in spades. Knock doesn't merely tell the rich and compelling story of the rise of this 'prairie statesman' to political prominence. First-rate historian that he is, he also illuminates a great deal about American political culture in the middle decades of the twentieth century."--Fredrik Logevall, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of America's Vietnam

"Thomas Knock has written what is sure to remain the definitive account of George McGovern's important and eventful life. But Knock's achievement goes well beyond mere biography. With empathy and insight, he traces the history of twentieth-century prairie progressivism, which like McGovern himself achieved much even while tested by severe trials. The reader reaches the end of this engrossing volume eagerly awaiting the next."--Andrew J. Bacevich, professor emeritus, Boston University

"George McGovern is remembered largely for losing badly to Richard Nixon. He should be remembered as a war hero and prairie progressive who, in troubled times, stood up for what he believed was right. Through deep research and writerly grace, Knock brings him to life."--Evan Thomas, author of Being Nixon: A Man Divided

"McGovern was one of the most remarkable and least understood figures in modern American politics. He embodied some of America's most admirable and enduring values, yet today he is remembered chiefly for losing in a landslide to Nixon. Here, Knock sets the record straight. It's about time, and this thoroughly researched, thoughtfully argued, and elegantly written book is just what the job requires."--H. W. Brands, author of Reagan: The Life

"In The Rise of a Prairie Statesman, Thomas Knock provides a vivid and insightful portrait of one of the most influential and iconic figures ever to appear on the American political stage. McGovern's call, 'Come home, America, ' is as provocative today as it was in 1972."--Randall B. Woods, author of LBJ: Architect of American Ambition

"This first volume of Knock's exploration of George McGovern's life offers an extremely well written and engaging account of the congressman and future presidential candidate. The Rise of a Prairie Statesman is an excellent, meticulously researched book."--Julian E. Zelizer, author of The Fierce Urgency of Now: Lyndon Johnson, Congress, and the Battle for the Great Society

"This is a fascinating book about a man whose historical reputation ought not to be dominated by one landslide defeat. Knock has done McGovern proud."--Michael Kazin, author of American Dreamers: How the Left Changed a Nation

Media reviews

Citations

• Choice, 10/01/2016, Page 0
• Kirkus Reviews, 12/01/2015, Page 0