A fresh approach
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What is so utterly fascinating about Mr. O'Donnell's attempt to bring light to the subject of organized terror is the perfectly ordinary way in which he goes about it. Not present in his book are the heavy-handed moralizations modern authors feel compelled to include in theirs. The effect can be chilling at times; especially when murder, rape, torture, and the demoralization of a race of people are described with the vernacular of the period. To think that once any issue regarding Black Americans was deemed "The Negro Problem" by the press of the day or how lynching was seen as an expectable deterrent to crime is disgraceful and does not need any author to point this fact out.
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After-Birth of the Nation
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For those who enjoy reading about American history and true crime, look no further. This book wonderfully mixes both genres to create a powerful and intriguing read.
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A dark period of American History that that is still relevant today
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One cannot help but be amazed by how far America has moved as a country - in the past century alone to becoming the leader of the free world. However, we have had many dark moments, and this book shines a light into that darkness.
Ku Klux Klan - America's First Terrorists Exposed stands as one of the best treatments on the subject of the Klan's origin and evolution that I have ever read. The book does not pull any punches - it reveals the evil history of this organization from its origin up through its pinnacle of power in twentieth century - providing a greater understanding of the "why" and "how" of the KKK.
Quite simply, this book is a must read for all.
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Interesting as well as informative
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Much of the material that I have previously read on the subject has been informative, but this book is unique in that it brings an unparalleled level of context in its presentation of period articles and other source material without moralizing or interjections from any modern source (sans the publisher's warning for the crude language contained in the chapters). Not only does the reader gain an immense understanding of the motivations and methods of the Klan's quest for social, economic and political power, but also how they were viewed (both pro and con) by law enforcement agencies and the popular Press of the day.
While the Klan today is a shadow of its former self, in its prime it was a force to be reckoned with (as evidenced by the book). American's would do well to pay close attention to the activities of such hate groups...so as to not repeat the mistakes of the past.
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Should be mandatory reading in high schools
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The offences committed by the Ku Klux Klan during their halcyon days were wide and varied. Their cross burnings and "Beware the KKK" flyers were meant to create an omnipresent climate of intimidation, while newspaper accounts of whippings, castrations, and lynchings bolstered the public's perception of the Klan's fondness of murder and violence. They arrived in full "hood and rode" wardrobe at public events, never too far from an American flag, to preach about KKK justice and warn all "enemies" that they were being closely watched. They were an army unto themselves that even the government was powerless to stop. KU KLUX KLAN AMERICA'S FIRST TERRORISTS EXPOSED tells their story, and the stories of all who apposed them. So fascinating, I am on my second reading.
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