A historian of American conservatism, Schneider (editor of Conservatism in America since 1930: A Reader
) effectively outlines what he sees as the development of conservatism through the 20th century from a reactionary philosophy into a revolutionary and politically successful movement. To this end he traces conservatism from initial opposition to progressivism and the New Deal, examining various policies and reforms that have elevated conservatism to its current pinnacle as a powerful political force. Briefly profiling key personalities, from H.L. Mencken to Phyllis Schlafly and Barry Goldwater, he also examines organizations like the John Birch Society and the lesser-known Philadelphia Society, and movement milestones, including the disappointment older conservatives felt with Reagan, the “Gingrich revolution,” the rise of the Fox News Channel and the “bromidic verbal ripostes” of Ann Coulter. Schneider takes a broad approach, considering conservatism a “protean” movement that eludes easy definition, and succeeds in illustrating his assertion that this fluidity has allowed conservatism to flourish for an entire century. Students of political history will find a valuable perspective in this study. (Nov.)
