Klan

by Patsy Sims

First published in 1978, The Klan is still considered the best book to appear 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. Patsy Sims, an award-winning journalist, 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 rank-and-file members. The result was more than 150 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 its power. In this highly evocative narrative, Sims allows readers to experience Klan rallies and cross burnings, relive the terror of surviving victims, visit Klan homes and meeting halls, sit through an interview conducted at gunpoint, and meet the people behind the hoods. By showing what the leaders and members of the Invisible Empire are like both on and off the rally grounds, and by letting them speak for themselves, Sims provides invaluable insight into the mentality that gives rise to extremist hate groups and paramilitary organizations.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

Hardcover

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.