Populism in the Old Dominion: Virginia Farm Politics, 1885-1900

by William DuBose Sheldon

182 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1935

Reviews

[David · Rating 1 out of 5]

Extremely disappointing. Dunning School-like historiography of Reconstruction and view of the "Negro voter" whilst validating Jim Crow-era fears of a North-Black alliance to ravage the South. Acts as a recitation of elections and polling numbers when it does deal with the Populists, and does little to analyze the political or intellectual tenor of the Populists in Virginia and what makes them worth studying as a separate phenomenon from the national movement.

[Norman Leahy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief, useful primer on populism's influence on Virginia politics in waning years of the 19th century.

One great service the book provides: a look at Sen. John Warwick Daniel -- the "Lame Lion of Lynchburg," and perhaps the most popular Virginia elected official of his day.