Robert Shogan (1930–2013)

I was interested more in the historical accounts of these turbulent years in the mine wars than I was in the author's thoughts on labor. As an outsider to WV, I have wondered about this era of American history that wasn't even touched on in my schooling. It has stimulated my interest in knowing more about WV history, and especially how outside business money has shaped the political and economic landscape. It also confirms my thoughts that West Virginians are widely misunderstood by historians and the media. Cursory prejudicial thoughts without deep knowledge and understanding has been the norm in looking at West Virginians and Appalachians.… (mer)

Written by a Los Angeles Times correspondent at a time that was, in a way, a turning point in U.S. history. At that time, one had to go back more than twenty years for the last US president to serve two full terms, eight years. That was Dwight Eisenhower. JFK, LBJ, Nixon, Ford, Carter, none of them did. Since then, all but George Bush have (Reagan, Clinton, W., and, barring catastrophe in the next 18 months, Obama. It would be interesting to revisit the theses of Shogan's book with hindsight, and ask whether presidents no longer fail, or whether the power of incumbency is such that, even if they do, they are reelected anyway.… (mer)

This is an interesting, readable account of an uprising of United Mine Workers members in West Virginia shortly after World War I. It shows how the entire community was affected by the strike, with phone operators taking sides and miners' wives working as nurses. It shows how local politicians took sides, and the role of mercenary forces. The federal government's involvement was also described.

I especially liked the concluding chapter which put the uprising in both its historical and modern-day context.… (mer)