The Klan

by Patsy Sims

First published in 1978, The Klan is considered the best book on the grandfather of all extremist hate groups. Now, in the wake of the Oklahoma City bombing and other domestic terrorist activities that are the legacy of Klan violence, it is more timely than ever. Realizing the continuing relevance of this book, Patsy Sims has revised it for the first time since its initial publication, adding a new preface and updating the individual chapters. An award-winning journalist, Sims drove more than 1,200 miles over the back roads of the South to begin this book. During two years of research and writing she talked, rallied, and kept in almost constant telephone contact with Klan leaders and members. The result was more than 150n hours of taped interviews revealing the personal experiences of the Klanspeople and their victims. These she wove together with history and contemporary news events for a riveting look inside the organization at the peak of it power.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

620 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1, 1982

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book of interviews of members of the KKK. I found it fascinating how they would try to defend themselves, claiming they were neither racist nor violent. However, the book lacked depth as the subjects were obviously evasive about describing their actions and preferred self-promotion.

The book also began to get repetitive and caught up in describing the various squabbles and splits the KKK regularly goes through. Little attention was given to the broader picture

[Fishface · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had a lot of information in it about the KKK, past and present. Hard to keep reading, frankly, because it was such a downer with one example after another of people who are out living their lives free as the birds, when they need to be behind bars for the sake of public safety.