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The Rise and Fall of Senator Joe McCarthy
James Cross Giblin’s astute and insightful biography of the Wisconsin senator looks at both the life of the man and and the post-war climate in the late 1940s and early 1950s that helped fuel his rise to national power. Yet some of the most fascinating traits Giblin reveals about McCarthy precede his infamy. A highly motivated self-starter, McCarthy sought his first elected office when still in his twenties, and from early in his political career he found ways to exploit the truth and the media, using negative campaign tactics that are common today. He boldly altered his personal history to make himself appear a more patriotic and appealing candidate in his early runs for office. All these details, along with McCarthy’s gambling, drinking, and ever-growing fanaticism that was as much or more about the desire for power than the desire to battle Communism make for fascinating reading. It’s also a chilling look at how power and politics can be so easily exploited, one that invites discussion of important topics that have continued relevance today, including the role of journalism and the media in a democracy. ©2009 Cooperative Children's Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Age 14 and older
Age Range:
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Formats:
Biography, Autobiography and Memoir
Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects:
Biography
Cold War
History (Nonfiction)
Oppression
Politics and Political Systems
Publishers:
Clarion, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publish Year: 2009
Pages: 304
ISBN: 9780618610587
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 920 McCarthy
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