Dees’ story makes it clear why he was inspired to found the SPLC (Southern Poverty Law Center) and how he has been so successful. The son of a poor Alabama farmer, he grew up an FFA (Future Farmers of America) member, a hunter, a friend to blacks and whites, his brother a registered gun dealer. A caring man, he’s a master strategist, too. This guy has guts and moxie! But more than that, he knows how to talk to and negotiate with haters and find neutral ground. And if not, he can sue their pants off.

The last half or so of the book is a detailed tale of the 1984 lawsuit Dees brought on behalf of Beulah Donald, during which he bankrupted the United Klans of America. At times riveting, the story becomes understandably complicated during the suit and I sometimes lost track of who was whom in the large cast of characters. Still, an engrossing read and an excellent choice for anyone who wants to understand more about racism in the South and the work of the SPLC throughout the USA. ( )

KF373 .D43 A3 1991 (VJH)