On Goldwater

William F. Buckley, who died this February, was one of the most influential political figures of the 20th century. Through his magazine, the National Review, the substantive television talk show he hosted, Firing Line, and his voluminous writings (this is his 51st book), he shaped and nurtured American conservatism. One of the defining moments of the conservative struggle was the 1964 presidential nomination of Arizona senator Barry Goldwater. Goldwater's defeat in the election prepared the way for Ronald Reagan, who had actively campaigned for him. Buckley was there from the beginning, first meeting Goldwater and becoming a friend and adviser. He was eminently qualified to write this book, but his note that his work here "is not strictly factual," that he has reconstructed and invented conversations, some of which he was not a party to, is surely problematic. Such an approach is the province of novels, not history. Thus, as a serious political memoir the book must be accepted with a strong caveat. While fans of Buckley will appreciate the charm of his writing, it lacks the energy of some of his earlier work, such as Overdrive: A Personal Documentary. Rick Perlstein's Before the Storm: Barry Goldwater and the Unmaking of the American Consensus is a worthier choice. An optional purchase for larger political science collections.—Michael O. Eshleman, Kings Mills, OH

Although mostly remembered for his landslide loss in the 1964 presidential election, Barry Goldwater enjoyed a distinguished 30-year career in the Senate and a full and productive life. His son, an eight-term congressman, and Dean (Conservatives Without Conscience) compiled this collection of Goldwater's letters and selected diary entries across 60 years, letting Goldwater tell his own story. The result is an engaging, if selective, memoir that describes Goldwater's Arizona childhood, family life, politics, many nature hikes through his beloved Arizona, and the Presidents he knew, including JFK, whom he considered a good President, and Nixon, whom he came to loathe as a result of Watergate. The writings here were not intended for publication; Goldwater wrote them for his children. Some include funny, salty remarks that add to the folksy style. This icon of conservatism often mentions his contempt for large government and taxes but also reveals his pro-choice views, support for gay rights, environmental concern, and support for a state holiday honoring Martin Luther King. Not included is Goldwater's take on the 1964 election, other than blaming his pasting on the media and Lyndon Johnson's dirty tricks. The editors show Goldwater's ultimate success as being remembered as he hoped to be: "an honest man who tried his damndest." Recommended for public and academic libraries.—Karl Helicher, Upper Merion Twp. Lib., King of Prussia, PA