Nazis, Communists, Klansmen, and Others on the Fringe: Political Extremism in America

by John George, Laird Wilcox

The freedoms guaranteed by our Bill of Rights have allowed a simmering subculture of political fringe groups to develop and even to flourish in America, as they have in no other nation. These radical associations - sometimes dangerous, sometimes merely quirky - illuminate a dark part of the American psyche. In this encyclopedic work, John George and Laird Wilcox present a thorough and fair assessment of extremist groups on the periphery of the American political system.
The authors begin by surveying the history of the extremist trend in America prior to 1960. They then delineate the general characteristics of extremism on both ends of the political spectrum, relate extremism to constitutional principles, and analyze the factors that motivate fringe-group members.
The bulk of the book is devoted to an in-depth discussion of more than forty separate groups from the extreme right and left. The authors examine each group's history, beliefs, and current activities. The book concludes with a fascinating appendix on the use of fake quotes and fabricated documents, a common ploy of many extremist organizations.

Genres: History, Terrorism, Nonfiction

443 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1992

Reviews

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine collection of synopses of the history of what the authors define as extremism, to varying levels of effect. The definition h is a fairly strict and simple one, that has more to do with a perspective and deviance from a standard set of behaviors and beliefs than, say, the effectiveness or dangerousness of the group in question. The underlying assertion than the limitation of freedom of expression sometimes cuased by the fear of such groups is more damaging than the groups themselves is effectively supported, in showing the history of McCarthyism and CoIntelPro, for instance. One of my favorite sections of the book is the collection of misappropriated (or made up) qotations often used by political extremists to justify their causes, ranging from things never written by Lenin, to the quotation attributed to Thomas Jefferson that "That government which governs best, governs least". The book could use a more up-to-date follow-up though. I'm curious to know what effect the internet has had. I'd also be interested in a broadening of the definition of extremism with concerns that go beyond the "left" vs. "right" political axis.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An indispensable guide to understanding your weird neighbor who hangs a flag in every window. It's out-of-date now but still makes for good skimming in the bathroom.