Upstream: The Ascendance of American Conservatism

by Alfred S. Regnery

Alfred S. Regnery, the publisher of The American Spectator , has been a part of the American conservative movement since childhood, when his father founded The Henry Regnery Company, which subsequently became Regnery Publishing -- the preeminent conservative publishing house that, among other notable achievements, published William F. Buckley's first book, God and Man at Yale . Including many uniquely personal anecdotes and stories, Regnery himself now boldly chronicles the development of the conservative movement from 1945 to the present.

The outpouring of grief at the funeral of Ronald Reagan in 2004 -- and the acknowledgment that Reagan has come to be considered one of the greatest presidents of the twentieth century -- is Regnery's opening for a fascinating insider story. Beginning at the start of the twentieth century, he shows how in the years prior to and just post World War II, expanding government power at home and the expanding Communist empire abroad inspired conservatives to band together to fight these threats. The founding of the National Review , the drive to nominate Barry Goldwater first as vice-president and later as president, the apparent defeat of the conservative movement at the hands of Lyndon Johnson, and the triumphant rise of Ronald Reagan from the ashes are all chronicled in vivid prose that shows a uniquely intimate knowledge of the key figures. Regnery shares his views on the opposition that formed in response to Earl Warren's Supreme Court rulings, the role of faith (both Roman Catholic and Evangelical) in the renewed vigor of conservatism, and the contributing role of American businessmen who attempted to oppose big government.

Upstream ultimately gives perspective to how the most vibrant political and cultural force of our time has influenced American culture, politics, economics, foreign policy, and all institutions and sectors of American life.

Genres: Politics, Political Science

464 pages, Hardcover

First published February 12, 2008

Reviews

[Gabriella Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #17 — UPSTREAM by Alfred S Regnery of Regnery Publishing fame. Published in 2008.

This book deeply examines the ascendency of American conservatism—culminating with the rise of “the Rembrandt of American conservatism” Ronald Reagan. It enforces the notion of the importance of fusionism/three-legged stool principles leading to the movement’s success nearly fifty years after. It sheds light on the importance of direct mail, public policy think tanks, coalition-building, and more that created a vibrant conservative cause.

It’s not for the faint of heart, since it can be terse at times, but for those curious about history and politics, I highly recommend it.

I’ll be catching up on my reading goals, need to reach 35 by December 31st. 😱 Prepare for an avalanche of more book reviews between now and then.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provides a clear understanding and history of the development of the Conservative Party, the people , the views, ideals, and values of the people and the movement.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting history of conservatism......

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get started on this book, but once I got started, I found it to be quite engaging. While the author is a political conservative, the book isn't so much about selling you on the logic of the conservative viewpoint as much as discussing the timeline and history of the development of the conservative movement in U.S. politics. He discusses the major movers and shakers, as well as the more significant historical events which ended up shaping the movement and bringing it to where it is today.

[John Rabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected this to be a firsthand memoir from the son of the man who began the conservative stalwart Regnery Publishing. Instead, it was a surprisingly enjoyable tour through the history of the modern conservative movement in America. The autobiographical tidbits can be counted on one hand, and instead Regnery surveys the people and institutions that led to the Reagan Revolution and beyond. An excellent introduction to the movers and shakers of the conservative era.

[The American Conservative]

Read our review, "Up, Up, and Away," on our website:
http://www.theamericanconservative.co...

[Jason Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed and readable history of American conservatism that is a bit rosy in places.