Every Man a King: A Short, Colorful History of American Populists

by Chris Stirewalt

From Fox News' politics editor Chris Stirewalt -- a fun and lively account of America's populist tradition, from Andrew Jackson and Teddy Roosevelt, to Ross Perot, Pat Buchanan, and Donald Trump. Whatever the ideological fad of the moment, American populism has always been home to a fascinating assortment of charismatic leaders, characters, kooks, cranks, and sometimes charlatans who have - with widely varying degrees of success - led the charge of ordinary folks who have gotten wise to the ways of the swamp. This attitude of skeptical resentment also makes populism a fertile field for the work of conspiracy theorists and other enthusiastic apostates from civic convention. After all, if the people in power are found to be rigging one part of the system, why not the rest? Every Man a King tells the stories of America's populist leaders, from an elderly Andrew Jackson brutally caning his would-be-assassin, to William Jennings Bryan's pre-speech routine that combined equally prodigious quantities of prayer and food, to Ross Perot's military-style campaign that made even volunteers wear badges with stars to show rank. It is a rollicking history of an American attitude that has shaped not only our current moment, but also the long struggle over who gets to define the truths we hold to be self evident.

Genres: History, Politics, Nonfiction, American History, Government

151 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 11, 2018

Reviews

[Hyrum · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book. It was both short and colorful. Although inspired nodoubt by our current political moment it did not dwell on that moment too much. The chapters were interesting and informative, if sometimes a little more broadly applicable to the topic than I was expecting. He sometimes brings up things from chapters set later in histoy fairly early in the book. By far my favorite part was the last chapter, which ended the book on a hopeful and inspiring note.

[Alex Gruenenfelder · Rating 5 out of 5]

For every history buff and politics junkie, this is a great intro to populism, even for the already familiar. The book opens with brief introductions to seven historical figures, some from a long time ago and some from just the past few decades, and each chapter dives into them in detail. We learn to understand them as detail, through the moderate conservatism and anti-radical change views of the author, who cites the classic quote, "When it comes to government, speed kills liberty." This book is an anti-populist work, arguably, but it is also plainly a necessary history to understand the concept.

Some of the real-life characters in this book remain historically popular, while others are near-universally regarded as evil. The author even appears to like some of them. Whatever their class or strengths, the fact of the matter is that people who perceive the nation as struggling will seek out populist leaders, even when the United States is actually improving or prospering. You can't con a truly honest man," Stirewalt says of our desire for easy fixes. This journey, which the author argues predates the American republic, continues to this very day and allowed the rise of figures like Donald Trump. To understand this legacy, this is a short, snappy, and very entertaining book.

[Trevor Carlsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stirewalt is critical of populism, and President Trump, which may be what inspired the book. Setting that aside, it’s important to appreciate the potential dangers populism poses to our system of government. As Stirewalt points out, our system is designed for things to move slowly, so that when we make the change, we’re darn sure that we want it. Populist movements often challenge that system and put too much faith in the idea that what we really need is a benevolent dictator who can get things done.

Stirewalt calls this, “A Short, Colorful History of American Populists.” He does so, so as not to misrepresent himself as a historian, which is modest considering his appreciation for history, but appropriate because he is not writing comprehensive biographies. Regardless, the collection of populists in the form of this book is an important review of history. Stirewalt’s account is helpful to understand the populist movement of today and written in a digestible manner. Worth the read (or listen, I listened to it on Audible). I’m also planning to listen to the podcast series.

[Michael Shockley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't really fault it for being what it is, given that it manages to be exactly what it aspires to; it is a short, colorful history of American populists. It includes background information not just about the great men of American populism, but of the masses and their social and material conditions which allowed for the rise of these demagogues (but not too much; being a short, colorful history, it is prevented from venturing too far into the weeds, offering more of a panoramic view of things than a forensic one. Those wanting something more substantial are encouraged to look for something which doesn't bill itself as "short and colorful."). It's an entertaining romp that can be completed over the course of an afternoon or two, and it helps put things in perspective by shattering the myth of there having been some idyllic time in the course of the Republic, in which no one believed in "fake news," norms were left unmolested, and civility was more plentiful than carbon. Readers will see many familiar faces in this text, but the names will be different.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book over the course of a Saturday afternoon. One of this books greatest strengths is that it's long enough to cover the subject well but short enough to stay interesting. Not to bash the 500+ page historical/political tomes that come out occasionally, but that just wasn't what I was wanting to read.

Stirewalt does a good job bringing out commonalities that past populist movements have had in the U.S. history while at the same time highlighting the individual quirks and personalities of the different populists each chapter is devoted to.

his book has many good take-away thoughts and ideas about nature of populism. I also feel like I have better understanding what populism is and can explain it in a way I couldn't before. Definitely would suggest for anyone who wants a quick(er) history read or is interested in what populism is.

[Markus Christoph schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important to consider given the current political climate, particularly in the West. Stirewalt provides a concise, but digestible and informative history of American populists From Andrew Jackson to Ross Perot. It is interesting to see how figures of the past have methodological links to contemporary populists.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has an association with Fox News, so when I first picked up this book I feared a neo-con rant. Not so.

There is a dynamic to populism that makes it fodder for would-be demagogues. The author, an even-handed and effective writer, taps into what American demagogues have shared in common. Over the course of the nation's history they have successfully tapped into the fear, resentment, and anger of those among us who see themselves as having the most to lose. The government, the "elite", the big corporation, or the newest group of immigrants threaten them, and the demagogue -only and only him/her - can save the day. To bring home his point, the author examines the lives of several US populist heroes - from Andrew Jackson to Ross Perot, and puts in relief how similarly they fit the mold. A clear read worth the trip to the local library.

[David Hile · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It presented and enlightening perspective on American populism. It had enough meat to be thought provoking but in the effort to keep it short and approachable it has ended up only being an appetizer. I would also recommend listening to the accompanying podcast. It offers a bit of additional perspective.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think this is the first President elected in a wave of populism...? Think again. Stirewalt shows us a pattern of populism waves and how each came to be. Written in lay-man’s terms and full of humor, this easy to read and understand for even readers who aren’t historians or political junkies (unlike myself).

[A.J. Dobrischkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter your side of the aisle, this quick read by freshman author Chris Stirewalt helps shed light on the movement of American Populists through the ages. Not only does it explain how these men have come to be, this box also shows that no matter how bad things may seem they have happened before and can be overcome.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Education delivered in a most entertaining way.

Mr. Stirewalt schools us in history while applying its repeated lessons to our current political environment. You cannot help but be assured that this too shall pass and all shall be well in our democracy.

[Calleen Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I really loved about this book is that it gives hope. It doesn’t focus on one party or another but shows that we have been where we are at politically many times in our nation throughout its history and we made it through. That hope was so refreshing to hear.

[Richard Grebenc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stirewalt's first effort is a decent one. I learned quite a bit. I was astonished how his presentation showed how there is nothing new under the sun -- we find all the traits in current populists have been used over and over again for hundreds of years.

This is done through the author's lens, though. He finds nothing at all admirable in any of the figures he covers, and spends quite a lot of time giving his views on them and their impacts in their time and up to the current time. He can do what he wants, but the subtitle is a bit deceiving -- yes, there is history here (but not a single footnote -- unacceptable, even in a popular work), but it is substantially an opinion piece. An interesting and thought-provoking take to be sure, but one that not all readers will agree with entirely. The subtitle would have more accurately been: A Sampling of American Populists and How They Hurt America.

A good, quick read that will enlighten and make the reader better appreciate the current state of politics.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a history nerd. Retired - read 100 plus books a year. I bought this book thinking it would be a quick history read. Nope. I am also a hillbilly, as the author professes to be. Nope. The two negatives I found about this book were {1} it is a expose on how New York elites view populism and the people who have supported it over the years and not history, and {2} a veiled contempt shows through for Trump.

[Clifford Luebben · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, fun, and insightful summary of the life & times of the USA’s most prominent populist politicians.

I listened to the audiobook and Stirewalt’s narration was excellent.

If you enjoy American history or biographies of historical figures in general, I’d recommend this book for your enjoyment.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read which shows that we've always had a populous political candidate during different times in American history and that rarely is it the economy stupid, it's cultural change and Send 'em a message.

[Brocka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big fan of Chris Stirewalt, from Fox News to The Dispatch where he currently writes. He is so sincere to the point of pollyannish. This book is an abbreviated recap of populist historical figures and how they came to be seen as such. I love history, and his writing is comprehensive and delightful.

[Darren Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Chris Stirewalt's wit and rock solid logical presentation of an argument. This is an interesting history lesson about populism and demagogues. It's worth a read to gain historical insight on current events and recognize populist trends and tactics used by modern politicians.

[Coffee, Tea, & Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read that is full of interesting historical facts and tidbits that will make you laugh and learn! Full review of this book here: https://thislittlechinacup.wordpress....

[Csparrenberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I found this book boring. Then as I moved on, it got more interesting. The author tries to link current events to the past which may or may not be valid as each situation is very unique.

[Anne Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative, easy to read and interesting. I’d like to read more from this author.

[Kevin Christiansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. Short, in the case of this book, is the operative word. Could have used additional detail on each of the subjects.

[Amy Ingalls · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won an advanced copy of this book in a giveaway. It was a quick, interesting read and I learned a little bit more about each of the men featured than I knew going in.

[Jim Ogle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful recounting of the leading populists leaders o our country’s history.

[Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book, I just wasn't that interested in the subject matter. I suppose I expected something different. Having said that, it was well written and easy to read

[Kasey Dietrich · Rating 2 out of 5]

This author just starts rambling on about what they think, and man they don't really think very logical thoughts. And they're boring.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Articulate recounting of history and figures of American populism, engagingly written.

[Annia Lennox (DaydreamingThroughBooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up enjoying this. It is what Mr. Stirewalt said it was-popcorn history. It is short and easy to digest.

I am not the biggest fan of Mr. Stirewalt. He can be a little pretentious which he does own. But he also does know his history. We both are not the biggest fans of populism. It was interesting to read about populism over the course of American history-most of which I didn't know about.

This book was definitely inspired by the rise and election of Trump in 2016. He does address this and how it connects to the populism of the past. But he doesn't dwell on Trump and the current situation in America. I for one, am grateful for that.

This was a fun, easy read. I'm glad I listened to the audiobook and would recommend it.