Upstream: The Ascendance of American Conservatism
"Alfred Regnery's book is marvelously thought out and marvelously executed. He gives us paragraphs describing the territory he intends to explore, and suggesting what paths he will examine. He then, in fourteen chapters, gives us history, learning, and delight. I could not imagine that what he took on in this book could have interested and engrossed this old hand and old friend, but he leaves the reader panting with gratitude for his accomplishment, and smiling for his felicity." -- William F. Buckley, Jr."Al Regnery, present at the creation of the modern conservative movement as a young boy, has been at its center as a leading book and magazine publisher. His masterful account blends ideological and political development, while vividly portraying the movement's thinkers and activists." -- Robert D. Novak"The rise of conservatism in the United States over the past half-century has been one of the most important political developments of the age -- not only for America, but for the world. Much has been written about it, most of it under-researched and inaccurate. Alfred S. Regnery has now performed the invaluable task of writing a first-class and fully documented history of the movement. He describes its political and intellectual origins, its inventors, its leaders, its high and low points, and its achievements. He has a lot to say about the books and journals, the columnists and media commentators who drove it forward, and not least about the wealthy people and the foundations that supplied the financial means. In all, this is a valuable addition to our understanding of modern politics." -- Paul Johnson"Conservatism's long swim upstream into the mainstream has been wonderfully chronicled by Alfred Regnery, whose family has helped every stroke of the way. This is a book about, among many other things, the books that helped change how Americans think, vote, and live." -- George F. Will