JESSE JACKSON & THE POLITICS OF RACE

Depicts the life of Jesse Jackson, discusses his contributions to the civil rights movement, and examines his political career and campaign for the presidency

Landess and Quinn have produced what they consider a "realistic, not romantic" rendering of the political life of the man they contend used race politics to advance his own aspirations for wealth and power. They paint Jackson as a modern-day black populist in the mold of Southern-white spellbinders like the Talmadges, Longs, and Bilbos. The book is saturated with accusations that Jackson has tended to exaggerate events and play fast and loose with the truth. As proof, examples abound, including references to Jackson's exaggeration of his youth as one of abject poverty and to his problems with funding and tax reports on Operation Push. Landess and Quinn also portray Jackson as a man who desired to be the best-respected black leader at the expense of others in SCLC, and as one who would divide the racesunlike Dr. King, who sought unity. Controversial, daringand recommended. Frank Kessler, Political Science Dept., Missouri Western State Coll. , St. Joseph
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.