Forgotten Conservatives in American History

"Americans weary of what passes for 'conservatism' in the circus of modern party politics owe McClanahan and Wilson profound thanks for recovering these voices of a lost tradition. Our bloated, debt-ridden, crusading empire has never needed these courageous defenders of the old republic more than it does at present. This is a sober reminder of how far we have departed from first principles and points to the quality of character needed for recovery of authentic conservatism."-Richard M. Gamble, author of In Search of the City on a Hill: The Making and Unmaking of an American Myth

"The charlatans who have taken over official conservatism have had to suppress a lot of history in order to portray themselves as genuine conservatives. The authors of Forgotten Conservatives in American History aren't letting them get away with it. Every page of this book is a nail in the neoconservative coffin."-Thomas E. Woods, Jr., New York Times bestselling author of Meltdown and The Politically Incorrect Guide to American History

A series of biographical vignettes on forgotten American conservatives provides clear insight into what truly constitutes American conservatism. From M. E. Bradford, John C. Calhoun, and Grover Cleveland to Sam Ervin, William Faulkner, and James Jackson, the authors argue that American conservatism is based on eight core values: decentralization, sound money, light taxes, states' rights, low debt, family, community, and independence, both at home and abroad. To those looking for context among the various competing visions and directions of modern American conservatism, this book serves a guidepost.