‘Political commentator Frank (Rendezvous with Oblivion) urges liberals to reclaim ‘the high ground of populism’ in this fervent and acerbically witty call to action … Frank blends diligent research with well-placed snark to keep readers turning the pages. Liberals will be outraged, enlightened, and entertained.’
Publishers Weekly
‘The author of What’s the Matter with Kansas? returns with a study of populism … [H]e argues that historically populism has been focused on expanding opportunities for all, and he sees anti-populist sentiment today as being anti-working class. That will stir debate.’
Library Journal
‘A provocative new book that encompasses historical analysis as well as the present.’
Dan Shaw, Happy Magazine
‘Brilliantly written, eye-opening … From 1891 to the rise of Trumpism, Frank walks readers through a minefield of assumptions about populism’s nature and history … Throughout People Without Power, Frank takes pains to look at populism through a broad lens … His reflection on how the jeans-clad Jimmy Carter wrapped himself in populism to avoid being tagged as a socialist, liberal or conservative is spot-on.’
Douglas Brinkley, The Washington Post
‘Anyone looking for a compact, highly readable history of the American political movement known as populism, and the determined efforts from both right and left to squelch it, will enjoy prominent progressive journalist Thomas Frank’s People Without Power… Credit goes to Frank for this admirable effort to reclaim the noblest parts of the populist legacy and make them relevant for contemporary Americans.’
Harvey Freedenberg, BookPage
‘[A] sprightly crafted survey of populist philosophy over the past century as it contends with more established political forces that have considered its ideas to be backwards and undemocratic … A valuable history of an important political tradition, and what it means for the future.’
Ed Goedeken, Library Journal
‘[A] fervent and acerbically witty call to action … Frank blends diligent research with well-placed snark to keep readers turning the pages. Liberals will be outraged, enlightened, and entertained.’
Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Rendezvous with Oblivion:
‘Frank’s combination of insightful analysis, moral passion, and keen satirical wit make these essays both entertaining and an important commentary on the times.’
Publishers Weekly
Praise for Listen, Liberal:
‘An astute dissection of contemporary Democratic politics that demonstrates, cogently and at times acidly, how the party lost the allegiance of blue-collar Americans.’
Publishers Weekly
Praise for The Wrecking Crew:
‘A no-holds-barred exegesis on the naked cynicism of conservatism in America.’ STARRED REVIEW
Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Pity the Billionaire:
‘Frank's wit is as sharp as ever, and his eye for detail and his ability to capture a scene reminded me of reading zoologist Dian Fossey on a group of strange political primates.’
The Washington Post
Praise for What’s the Matter with Kansas?:
‘Very funny and very painful … Add another literary gold star after Thomas Frank's name.’
