gingerreader99's review against another edition
5.0
You have to enter into this book with an open mind. Or at least shift to one, you have to discard what you think you know of Populism and the hate you may have for it and allow for Frank to show you the reality of Populism. The good and the bad parts of it. How it is the very thing that ushered in the progress created by our most beloved leaders. This book surprised Me and even shocked me at times, but most importantly it changed the way I look at Populism. Frank is obviously not a fan of Trump but yet is an advocate for what Populism is at its core. A movement of people, for the people against an elite that does not care for them. If you do not embrace the position Frank is speaking from however you will get little from this book, if you go into it simply thinking Populism= bad because that's all you've ever been told and do not allow for a different explanation you will finish in the same position you started and will have missed the point entirely.
doctormabuse's review against another edition
4.0
Entertaining tour through a 140 year history of "populism" and the panics that its few surges in power have instigated. The prairie populists of the end of the 19th-century represented a new class-based political movement in the United States that has been largely forgotten. Frank gives an effective and concise overview of their history as a political movement (including their foibles, most notably being investing too much into William Jennings Bryan the man, as well as emphasizing the Free Silver movement as *the* end-all be-all) but more importantly, presents a survey of the absurdly frenzied panic that the movement promoted from those who represented the interests of capital.
Frank offers the term "Democracy Scare" (stemming from "red scares") as a way of understanding the panics that emerged first in the 1890s, then the 1930s, then, 1960s, and finally again in the 2010s. The elites, coalescing around their preferred politicians, organizations, academic posts, magazines, and news outlets, Frank demonstrates, have consistently managed to present an all-encompassing response to the ebbs and flows of populist movements by painting their leaders and ideas as retrograde, insane, idiotic, and doomed to fail. Frank provides an excellent overview of the emergence of anti-populism as an academic movement among professors and researchers of political science, history, and sociology in the 1950s. The ideas and attitudes formed then have since been absorbed into the liberal worldview, centered around a belief in "meritocracy", code for rule by elites over the ignorant masses of peons.
Frank's work is frustrating and hilarious, but ultimately hopeful, offering those sympathetic to the aims of American history's various populist movements some refreshing context, and a welcome reminder of one's own sanity in the face of repeated admonishment from the elite establishment who wishes to suppress the ideas hostile to capital at any cost.
Frank offers the term "Democracy Scare" (stemming from "red scares") as a way of understanding the panics that emerged first in the 1890s, then the 1930s, then, 1960s, and finally again in the 2010s. The elites, coalescing around their preferred politicians, organizations, academic posts, magazines, and news outlets, Frank demonstrates, have consistently managed to present an all-encompassing response to the ebbs and flows of populist movements by painting their leaders and ideas as retrograde, insane, idiotic, and doomed to fail. Frank provides an excellent overview of the emergence of anti-populism as an academic movement among professors and researchers of political science, history, and sociology in the 1950s. The ideas and attitudes formed then have since been absorbed into the liberal worldview, centered around a belief in "meritocracy", code for rule by elites over the ignorant masses of peons.
Frank's work is frustrating and hilarious, but ultimately hopeful, offering those sympathetic to the aims of American history's various populist movements some refreshing context, and a welcome reminder of one's own sanity in the face of repeated admonishment from the elite establishment who wishes to suppress the ideas hostile to capital at any cost.
doowpik's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
4.5
The word populist is used carelessly these days. Every controversial leader is labeled a populist. Thomas Frank’s book is helpful for readers wanting a better understanding of the word.
porlarta's review against another edition
4.0
A fascinating deep dive into the origins of American populism and how that word and movement have evolved and been weaponized over the decades by numerous movements on both the left and right. Much of the book is concerned with history, and it is these earlier sections I felt were somewhat slow and more difficult to get through.
With that said, the book ends incredibly strongly, with the sections on Carter, Trump, and Obama filled with insightful and scathing critique that directly attacks much of the mythology that has been built up around why Trump won in 2016. He makes a convincing argument that the Democratic party has ceded much of the working class to the Republicans by insisting on the moral and ideological superiority of an educated class that has for decades, failed to justify its place at the top of the hierarchy as it leads us in foreign policy quagmires and economic disasters.
It's a good book that left me with much to think about. It put into clean English much of the scattershot doubts that I have had about the democrats and their aversion to actually progressive politics in the last few years.
With that said, the book ends incredibly strongly, with the sections on Carter, Trump, and Obama filled with insightful and scathing critique that directly attacks much of the mythology that has been built up around why Trump won in 2016. He makes a convincing argument that the Democratic party has ceded much of the working class to the Republicans by insisting on the moral and ideological superiority of an educated class that has for decades, failed to justify its place at the top of the hierarchy as it leads us in foreign policy quagmires and economic disasters.
It's a good book that left me with much to think about. It put into clean English much of the scattershot doubts that I have had about the democrats and their aversion to actually progressive politics in the last few years.
kristenleeluna's review against another edition
I found it hard to stay focussed reading this. Perhaps it’s because I’m not from the US and don’t properly understand the context. Just found it a chore.
miguelf's review
4.0
Thomas Frank has fewer airtime and media appearances these days, something he always seems to mention in those rare appearances he does make. It’s likely because his message doesn’t appeal to either current conservative or popular progressive ideology which is ironic given his message here of populism as a positive influence on society. In this book Frank dwells on both the original US populist wave in the 1890’s and the later one during the depression, both of which ushered in many of the benefits we take for granted today like the 5 day work week and social security. He shows how populism was turned on its head in starting in the 60’s in favor of elite opinion. It’s a very strong and thoughtful argument and fits squarely with a more class based approach to political and social issues as opposed to one drawn on cultural ones. A message that few seem willing to hear.
scribepub's review against another edition
With his usual verve, Frank skewers the elite voices of condescension that vilify the egalitarian and democratic strivings of working people. In so doing, he offers a passionate defense of populism, which he reveals as a deep and wide political tradition that remains as essential as ever for the hopes of a more just and equitable society.
Charles Postel, author of Equality: an American dilemma, 1866–1896
Political commentator Frank (Rendezvous with Oblivion) urges liberals to reclaim ‘the high ground of populism’ in this fervent and acerbically witty call to action … Frank blends diligent research with well-placed snark to keep readers turning the pages. Liberals will be outraged, enlightened, and entertained.
Publishers Weekly
The author of What’s the Matter with Kansas? returns with a study of populism … [H]e argues that historically populism has been focused on expanding opportunities for all, and he sees anti-populist sentiment today as being anti-working class. That will stir debate.
Library Journal
A provocative new book that encompasses historical analysis as well as the present.
Dan Shaw, Happy Magazine
Brilliantly written, eye-opening … From 1891 to the rise of Trumpism, Frank walks readers through a minefield of assumptions about populism’s nature and history … Throughout People Without Power, Frank takes pains to look at populism through a broad lens … His reflection on how the jeans-clad Jimmy Carter wrapped himself in populism to avoid being tagged as a socialist, liberal or conservative is spot-on.
Douglas Brinkley, The Washington Post
Anyone looking for a compact, highly readable history of the American political movement known as populism, and the determined efforts from both right and left to squelch it, will enjoy prominent progressive journalist Thomas Frank’s People Without Power … Credit goes to Frank for this admirable effort to reclaim the noblest parts of the populist legacy and make them relevant for contemporary Americans.
Harvey Freedenberg, BookPage
[A] sprightly crafted survey of populist philosophy over the past century as it contends with more established political forces that have considered its ideas to be backwards and undemocratic … A valuable history of an important political tradition, and what it means for the future.
Ed Goedeken, Library Journal
[A] fervent and acerbically witty call to action … Frank blends diligent research with well-placed snark to keep readers turning the pages. Liberals will be outraged, enlightened, and entertained.
Kirkus Reviews
Rarely do I encounter progressive tracts that I enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed this book … [Takes] aim at the myth of ‘populism’ … Frank has once again written an important book, that leftists everywhere should read in order or understand the moment in which they live.
Anthony Skews, Medium
Charles Postel, author of Equality: an American dilemma, 1866–1896
Political commentator Frank (Rendezvous with Oblivion) urges liberals to reclaim ‘the high ground of populism’ in this fervent and acerbically witty call to action … Frank blends diligent research with well-placed snark to keep readers turning the pages. Liberals will be outraged, enlightened, and entertained.
Publishers Weekly
The author of What’s the Matter with Kansas? returns with a study of populism … [H]e argues that historically populism has been focused on expanding opportunities for all, and he sees anti-populist sentiment today as being anti-working class. That will stir debate.
Library Journal
A provocative new book that encompasses historical analysis as well as the present.
Dan Shaw, Happy Magazine
Brilliantly written, eye-opening … From 1891 to the rise of Trumpism, Frank walks readers through a minefield of assumptions about populism’s nature and history … Throughout People Without Power, Frank takes pains to look at populism through a broad lens … His reflection on how the jeans-clad Jimmy Carter wrapped himself in populism to avoid being tagged as a socialist, liberal or conservative is spot-on.
Douglas Brinkley, The Washington Post
Anyone looking for a compact, highly readable history of the American political movement known as populism, and the determined efforts from both right and left to squelch it, will enjoy prominent progressive journalist Thomas Frank’s People Without Power … Credit goes to Frank for this admirable effort to reclaim the noblest parts of the populist legacy and make them relevant for contemporary Americans.
Harvey Freedenberg, BookPage
[A] sprightly crafted survey of populist philosophy over the past century as it contends with more established political forces that have considered its ideas to be backwards and undemocratic … A valuable history of an important political tradition, and what it means for the future.
Ed Goedeken, Library Journal
[A] fervent and acerbically witty call to action … Frank blends diligent research with well-placed snark to keep readers turning the pages. Liberals will be outraged, enlightened, and entertained.
Kirkus Reviews
Rarely do I encounter progressive tracts that I enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed this book … [Takes] aim at the myth of ‘populism’ … Frank has once again written an important book, that leftists everywhere should read in order or understand the moment in which they live.
Anthony Skews, Medium
scribepub's review against another edition
With his usual verve, Frank skewers the elite voices of condescension that vilify the egalitarian and democratic strivings of working people. In so doing, he offers a passionate defense of populism, which he reveals as a deep and wide political tradition that remains as essential as ever for the hopes of a more just and equitable society.
Charles Postel, author of Equality: an American dilemma, 1866–1896
Political commentator Frank (Rendezvous with Oblivion) urges liberals to reclaim ‘the high ground of populism’ in this fervent and acerbically witty call to action … Frank blends diligent research with well-placed snark to keep readers turning the pages. Liberals will be outraged, enlightened, and entertained.
Publishers Weekly
The author of What’s the Matter with Kansas? returns with a study of populism … [H]e argues that historically populism has been focused on expanding opportunities for all, and he sees anti-populist sentiment today as being anti-working class. That will stir debate.
Library Journal
A provocative new book that encompasses historical analysis as well as the present.
Dan Shaw, Happy Magazine
Brilliantly written, eye-opening … From 1891 to the rise of Trumpism, Frank walks readers through a minefield of assumptions about populism’s nature and history … Throughout People Without Power, Frank takes pains to look at populism through a broad lens … His reflection on how the jeans-clad Jimmy Carter wrapped himself in populism to avoid being tagged as a socialist, liberal or conservative is spot-on.
Douglas Brinkley, The Washington Post
Anyone looking for a compact, highly readable history of the American political movement known as populism, and the determined efforts from both right and left to squelch it, will enjoy prominent progressive journalist Thomas Frank’s People Without Power … Credit goes to Frank for this admirable effort to reclaim the noblest parts of the populist legacy and make them relevant for contemporary Americans.
Harvey Freedenberg, BookPage
[A] sprightly crafted survey of populist philosophy over the past century as it contends with more established political forces that have considered its ideas to be backwards and undemocratic … A valuable history of an important political tradition, and what it means for the future.
Ed Goedeken, Library Journal
[A] fervent and acerbically witty call to action … Frank blends diligent research with well-placed snark to keep readers turning the pages. Liberals will be outraged, enlightened, and entertained.
Kirkus Reviews
Rarely do I encounter progressive tracts that I enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed this book … [Takes] aim at the myth of ‘populism’ … Frank has once again written an important book, that leftists everywhere should read in order or understand the moment in which they live.
Anthony Skews, Medium
Charles Postel, author of Equality: an American dilemma, 1866–1896
Political commentator Frank (Rendezvous with Oblivion) urges liberals to reclaim ‘the high ground of populism’ in this fervent and acerbically witty call to action … Frank blends diligent research with well-placed snark to keep readers turning the pages. Liberals will be outraged, enlightened, and entertained.
Publishers Weekly
The author of What’s the Matter with Kansas? returns with a study of populism … [H]e argues that historically populism has been focused on expanding opportunities for all, and he sees anti-populist sentiment today as being anti-working class. That will stir debate.
Library Journal
A provocative new book that encompasses historical analysis as well as the present.
Dan Shaw, Happy Magazine
Brilliantly written, eye-opening … From 1891 to the rise of Trumpism, Frank walks readers through a minefield of assumptions about populism’s nature and history … Throughout People Without Power, Frank takes pains to look at populism through a broad lens … His reflection on how the jeans-clad Jimmy Carter wrapped himself in populism to avoid being tagged as a socialist, liberal or conservative is spot-on.
Douglas Brinkley, The Washington Post
Anyone looking for a compact, highly readable history of the American political movement known as populism, and the determined efforts from both right and left to squelch it, will enjoy prominent progressive journalist Thomas Frank’s People Without Power … Credit goes to Frank for this admirable effort to reclaim the noblest parts of the populist legacy and make them relevant for contemporary Americans.
Harvey Freedenberg, BookPage
[A] sprightly crafted survey of populist philosophy over the past century as it contends with more established political forces that have considered its ideas to be backwards and undemocratic … A valuable history of an important political tradition, and what it means for the future.
Ed Goedeken, Library Journal
[A] fervent and acerbically witty call to action … Frank blends diligent research with well-placed snark to keep readers turning the pages. Liberals will be outraged, enlightened, and entertained.
Kirkus Reviews
Rarely do I encounter progressive tracts that I enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed this book … [Takes] aim at the myth of ‘populism’ … Frank has once again written an important book, that leftists everywhere should read in order or understand the moment in which they live.
Anthony Skews, Medium