Overview

"""A cohesive picture of an extraordinary figure. . . . The issues raised by Bruce's life and career resonate today, making Graham's book not just a history but a revealing commentary on race and class, and on their inordinately powerful force in shaping our lives today.""--Chicago Tribune Spanning more than a century, Lawrence Otis's illuminating biography is a fascinating look at race and class in America, witnessed through the life of Blanche Kelso Bruce--the head of America's first black dynasty and the first black U.S. senator. Otis reveals how Bruce rose from slavery to achieve power and prestige in the aftermath of the Civil War. With his wife, the daughter of a prominent Philadelphia physician, he would break social and racial barriers--a legacy continued by their children until scandal destroyed the family's wealth and stature. Filled with triumph and tragedy, Otis's riveting book brings into focus an important yet little-known segment of our nation's past."

Full Product Details

9780060985134

Table of Contents

Reviews

Graham details the political machinations of the post-Reconstruction South and one man's attempt to build and maintain a dynasty. -- Booklist

A compelling portrait of the Bruce family's rise, dynamics and downfall...A poignant tale of struggle, accomplishment...an illuminating account. --Washington Post A rare, detailed glimpse into politics, race, and class in post-Reconstruction America. --U.S. News & World Report Graham details the political machinations of the post-Reconstruction South and one man's attempt to build and maintain a dynasty. --Booklist Graham digs deep and unearths secrets in...his absorbing book on money, class and color issues. --Essence Graham expertly breaks down historical events. --Entertainment Weekly Graham is a superb storyteller, and the Bruce dynasty perfect fodder for this gifted writer. --Amsterdam News Graham is an incisive historian [who] brings Senator Bruce to life through his careful research and clear narrative. --Biloxi Sun Herald Graham paints a compelling portrait of the important role Bruce played in the country's history. --Chicago Sun-Times Graham...recovers the history of a family that broke barriers in Washington and at Exeter and Harvard. --The New Yorker Graham's research is impressive and comprehensive....this compelling story shows how the American Dream can transmute into the American nightmare. --Kirkus Reviews Graham's strength is his intricate deliniation of class, color, culture and social climbing. --USA Today In another piece of powerful nonfiction, Lawrence Otis Graham returns to the shelves with The Senator and The Socialite. --Ebony Informative...many striking tales. Mr. Graham is right to want to bring the story to a reading public. --Wall Street Journal Not just a history but a revealing commentary on race and class, and their force in shaping our lives today. --Chicago Tribune Provides thorough and solid historical detail, political analysis and cultural discussion. Entertaining, intriguing and sometimes amazing story. --Book Page This account of a black family is a rags to riches to welfare tale that ought to intrigue. --Publishers Weekly This book opens the door to a rich, though frustrating, period in the country's past. --New York Post Excellent history of slavery, Reconstruction, post-Reconstruction, late 19th century politics and the misunderstood differences between early Republicans and Democrats. --San Francisco Chronicle

A rare, detailed glimpse into politics, race, and class in post-Reconstruction America. --U.S. News & World Report Graham digs deep and unearths secrets in...his absorbing book on money, class and color issues. --Essence Graham is a superb storyteller, and the Bruce dynasty perfect fodder for this gifted writer. --Amsterdam News Graham is an incisive historian [who] brings Senator Bruce to life through his careful research and clear narrative. --Biloxi Sun Herald Graham paints a compelling portrait of the important role Bruce played in the country's history. --Chicago Sun-Times Provides thorough and solid historical detail, political analysis and cultural discussion. Entertaining, intriguing and sometimes amazing story. --Book Page This book opens the door to a rich, though frustrating, period in the country's past. --New York Post Excellent history of slavery, Reconstruction, post-Reconstruction, late 19th century politics and the misunderstood differences between early Republicans and Democrats. --San Francisco Chronicle This account of a black family is a rags to riches to welfare tale that ought to intrigue. --Publishers Weekly Not just a history but a revealing commentary on race and class, and their force in shaping our lives today. --Chicago Tribune Informative...many striking tales. Mr. Graham is right to want to bring the story to a reading public. --Wall Street Journal In another piece of powerful nonfiction, Lawrence Otis Graham returns to the shelves with The Senator and The Socialite. --Ebony Graham's strength is his intricate deliniation of class, color, culture and social climbing. --USA Today Graham's research is impressive and comprehensive....this compelling story shows how the American Dream can transmute into the American nightmare. --Kirkus Reviews Graham...recovers the history of a family that broke barriers in Washington and at Exeter and Harvard. --The New Yorker Graham expertly breaks down historical events. --Entertainment Weekly Graham details the political machinations of the post-Reconstruction South and one man's attempt to build and maintain a dynasty. --Booklist A compelling portrait of the Bruce family's rise, dynamics and downfall...A poignant tale of struggle, accomplishment...an illuminating account. --Washington Post

Author Information

The author of fourteen books, including the New York Times bestseller Our Kind of People, and a contributing editor for Reader's Digest, Lawrence Otis Graham's work has also appeared in the New York Times, Essence, and The Best American Essays.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available