Robert A. Taft has been neglected by some historians and political theorists and vilified by others. Vigorously and impartially written, this book analyzes the ideas and influence of a great U.S. senator of the twentieth century. Here readers will find a close and lively examination of Taft's convictions on freedom, justice, labor policy, social reform, foreign affairs, and the responsibilities of political parties.

Respected for his intelligence and integrity, Robert Taft was considered the most remarkable public man of a turbulent political era. He was strong and candid, yet was repeatedly denied executive power. Despite this, he will undoubtedly be long remembered.

Drawing on many contemporary sources, including the Taft Papers in the Library of Congress, Kirk and Mc- Clellan set Taft in historical perspective. Taft's enduring significance to a normative theory of politics is made clear in this careful study, which includes extensive quotations from his outstanding speeches and writings. Available in paperback for the first time, this edition includes a new introduction by Jeffrey Nelson, who has been closely associated with Russell Kirk.

Author: Russell Kirk
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 01/01/2010
Pages: 236
Weight: 0.7lbs
Size: 8.90h x 5.90w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781412809917


Review Citation(s):
Reference and Research Bk News 05/01/2010 pg. 69

About the Author
Kirk, Russell: -

Russell Kirk (1918-1994) was the author of twenty-nine books in several fields. He was the founding editor of Transaction's Library of Conservative Thought series.

McClellan, James: -

James McClellan (1937-2005) was James Bryce Visiting Fellow in American Studies at the Institute of United States Studies of the University of London and before that Senior Resident Scholar at Liberty Fund Inc. Some of his works include Joseph Story and the American Constitution and The Federalist: A Student Edition.

Nelson, Jeffrey O.: -

Jeffrey O. Nelson is president of Thomas More College of Liberal Arts. Previously he served as senior vice president at the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. He edited two book collections-- Redeeming the Time, by Russell Kirk, and Perfect Sowing: Reflections of a Bookman by Henry Regnery--and is co-founder of the Russell Kirk Center.