From Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War through the disputed election of George W. Bush and beyond, the Republican Party has been at the dramatic center of American politics for 150 years. In this exciting new book, the Þrst comprehensive history of the Republicans in 40 years, Lewis L. Gould traces the evolution of the Grand Old Party from its emergence as an antislavery coalition in the 1850s to its current role as the champion of political and social conservatism. Gould brings to life the major Þgures of Republican history--Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Ronald Rea-gan, and George W. Bush--and uncovers a wealth of fascinating anecdotes about Republicans, from “the Plumed Knight,” James G. Blaine, in the 1880s, to Barry Goldwater in the 1960s, to Newt Gingrich in the 1990s. Gould also uncovers the historical forces and issues that have made the Republicans what they are: the crusade against slavery, the rise of big business, the Cold War, and opposition to the power of the federal government.

Written with balance and keen insight, Grand Old Party is required reading for anyone interested in American politics. Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike will Þnd their understanding of national politics deepened and enriched. Based on Gould’s research in the papers of leading Republi-cans and his wide reading in the party’s history, Grand Old Party is a book that will outlast the noisy tumult of today’s partisan debates and endure as a deÞnitive treatment of how the Republicans have shaped the way Americans live together in a democracy. For the next presidential election and for other electoral contests to come, this book (a perfect companion to Party of the People by Jules Witcover, a history of the Democratic Party published simultaneously by Random House) will be an invaluable guide to the unfolding saga of American politics.

"Is the party of George W. Bush the party of Abraham Lincoln, or of William McKinley? Will the election of 2000 prove to be like the election of 1896, or the election of 1928? Are Republicans conservatives by political pedigree, or radicals? Lewis Gould reports learnedly, insightfully, entertainingly; you decide."
-H. W. Brands, Distinguished Professor of History, Melbern G. Glasscock Chair in American History, Texas A&M University, author of The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin

"How a party that once believed in big government became the party that believes in small government is the story well told in this fascinating book by one of America's preeminent political historians. Lewis Gould unravels the mystery like a real-life Sherlock Holmes."
-Rick Shenkman, editor of the History News Network, George Mason University

"In this richly informed and timely book, Lewis Gould provides an illuminating, fluent and persuasive history of the Republican Party. His saga addresses both issues and leaders in the frequently contentious politics of the party of Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan, their heirs, their enemies and their legacy. This is required reading for all political junkies, Republicans and Democrats alike."
-John Morton Blum, Sterling Professor Emeritus, Yale University

"Gould's political history blends historical disciplines, exploring, for example, the interaction of demographics and ideology as the party's vision and tactics have changed over the years."
-Booklist (American Library Association)

 
Lewis L. Gould is the Eugene C. Barker Centennial Professor Emeritus in American History at the University of Texas at Austin. A winner of awards for outstanding teaching and writing, he is the author of numerous works of political history. He lives with his wife in Austin, Texas.