FATHER COUGHLIN & THE NEW DEAL

Tull, Charles J.

Published by Syracus NY. 1965. Syracuse Univ. Press

About this Item

red, black & silver decorative cloth hardcover 8vo. (octavo). dustwrapper in protective plastic book jacket cover. fine cond. binding square & tight. covers clean. edges clean. contents free of markings. price clipped dustwrapper in vg cond. missing little pieces spine top & bottom, 2" tear on front, taped inside long ago. front flap 1" tear, missing tiny piece on rear panel. nice clean copy. no library markings, store stamps, stickers, bookplates, no names, inking, underlining, remainder markings etc~. first edition. first printing (NAP). x+292p. b&w photo illustrations. 2 appendices. bibliographical note. notes to chapters. index. biography. american history. politics. great depression. new deal. world war ii. ~ In his first broadcast of the 1930~31 season Father Charles E. Coughlin, famed as the "radio priest," made a rather prophetic statement on the dangers of a priest's discussing economic problems. "In venturing upon this subject of labor and its relative questions of wages and unemployment I am not forgetful that the path of my pilgrimage is both treacherous and narrow." This book traces the path Coughlin followed from his entry upon the national scene during the early depression years, through the years of the New Deal, through the incredible presidential campaign of 1936, in which Coughlin did violent battle with his former idol, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, to the priest's retirement from public life in the early 1940's. Special emphasis is laid on the swerving loyalties of Father Coughlin, the changing targets in his public speeches, and the view held by some that he was a demagogue. What were the basic aims of the controversial priest? Was his violent oratory motivated by concern for the desperate poor of the depression years? Or did the adulation of millions whet his ambitions for political power? The book examines and interprets the radio priest's career through speeches, letters, the Roosevelt Papers, the Ryan Papers, and the conclusions of observers of the 1930's. The author makes a thorough analysis of the public and private man, famous throughout the United States at one time, now a forgotten priest at the Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak, Michigan, where his career began. Illustrated, the book includes notes and a bibliography. Father Coughlin speaks: "Hoover tried to cure this damnable depression by pouring in gold at the top while the people starved at the bottom . He fed grain to the pigs in Arkansas, but he wouldn't give a loaf of bread to the people of Michigan." ( August, 1933). "President Roosevelt has leadership, he has followers and he is the answer to many prayers that were sent up last year . It is either Roosevelt or Ruin." (January, 1934). "It is not pleasant for me who coined the phrase 'Roosevelt or Ruin' ~ a phrase based upon promises ~ to voice such passionate words. But I am constrained to admit that 'Roosevelt AND Ruin' is the order of the day because the money changers have not been driven from the temple." ( June, 1936). "Liar . great betrayer . F.D.R . Franklin Doublecrossing Roosevelt." ( July, 1936). "As I was instrumental in removing Herbert Hoover from the White House, so help me God, I will be instrumental in taking a Communist out of the chair once occupied by Washington." ( August, 1936). Seller Inventory # 6072102

Bibliographic Details

Title: FATHER COUGHLIN & THE NEW DEAL

Publisher: Syracus NY. 1965. Syracuse Univ. Press

Binding: Hardcover

Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included

Edition: 1st Edition