by John W. Dean
First published 2008
Barry Goldwater stands as a towering figure in American politics, known for his fiery conservative principles and unwavering optimism. For more than five decades, the Arizona senator maintained private journals away from public scrutiny, documenting his candid reflections on both political battles and personal experiences. Author John Dean gained extraordinary access to these personal writings, along with Goldwater's private correspondence and confidential conversations. Dean weaves together analytical commentary with Goldwater's unfiltered observations to create an intimate portrait of this influential politician. The book reveals Goldwater's unvarnished opinions about Richard Nixon and exposes his increasing unease with extremist elements gaining power within conservative circles. Through these personal records, readers encounter a different side of American conservatism, one that offers hope amid today's fractured political environment.
Genres: biography, 20th-century, american, political-science, politics, 21st-century, american-history
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: intimate-portrait, personal-records
Setting: America, Arizona
Period: 20th Century, 21st Century
416 pages · Hardcover · St. Martin's Press