Marion Butler and American Populism.

Marion Butler and American Populism. By James L. Hunt. (Chapel Hill and London: University of North Carolina Press, c. 2003. Pp. xvi, 338. $49.95, ISBN 0-8078-2770-3.)

James L. Hunt's excellent and eagerly awaited biography, Marion Butler and American Populism, explores the political career of the highest elected southern Populist, Marion Butler, and places this North Carolina Populist at the heart of the People's Party insurgency of the 1890s. Hunt's book is beautifully written, well researched, and a welcome addition to the literature on southern political life and American Populism.

Through a meticulous reading of Marion Butler's personal papers, volumes of local and national newspapers, and other manuscript collections, Hunt focuses on two key and interlocking themes in his book: first, Butler's unswerving belief in Alliance-Populist political economy, including such policies as government ownership of natural monopolies, an expanded money supply, and sub-treasuries; and, second, his perseverance in "trying to convert his economic ideas into law through politics" (p. 1). This dual focus enables Hunt to chronicle Butler's intellectual development; his election to head the North Carolina Farmers' Alliance; his leadership of the National Farmers' Alliance and the North Carolina People's Party; the pinnacle of his career as a U.S. senator (from 1895 to 1901) and as chairman of the National People's Party; and his long series of political defeats until his retirement from political life as a crushed Progressive Republican. Hunt corrects the impression left by other historians that Marion Butler was not a real Populist. Instead, Hunt accurately elucidates that Butler used free silver politically and did not sell out Populist principles.

Throughout this inspired book, Hunt seamlessly weaves together Butler's role as a state and national leader and member of the U.S. Senate and his control over election strategy, particularly during the complex 1896 presidential election. Although Butler changed tactics and alliances, often dumbfounding his Populist brethren, Hunt argues that this was only in order to achieve power. Hunt's analysis of Butler's career as a U.S. senator, during which, despite continued opposition from Republicans and Democrats, Butler carried the banner of Populism, is top-notch. Ultimately, though, this book is about the failure of the Populist experiment, and Hunt offers new and insightful interpretations of that failure.

There is much to admire in this work. However, some areas need more explanation. For example, although Hunt is critical in his evaluation of Butler as a Populist leader, particularly in North Carolina, there are times when Hunt simplifies the complex world of cooperation politics in the state. More analysis of the political culture of Populism, the role of the rank and file in shaping cooperation agreements with Republicans, and several of the internecine controversies between Butler and other Populists, Republicans, and Democrats would strengthen this book. In addition, Hunt seems uncomfortable discussing racial issues in North Carolina. For example, the Wilmington Riot is hardly mentioned. In addition, too much time is spent on the railroad bond controversy of the early 1900s to the detriment of a sophisticated analysis of the 1898 white supremacy campaign and southern racial issues, which are more important to the history of Populism. However, these points do not detract from an excellent book.

This very important work will encourage historians to reevaluate southern Populism, the role of Marion Butler in the story of Populism, and the reasons for the ultimate defeat of the People's Party. Hunt has properly placed Butler at the heart of the narrative of American Populism and the struggle to define southern politics in the Progressive era, and for this he deserves high praise. All scholars interested in third-party politics, Populism, and southern history should read this stimulating book.

West Virginia Wesleyan College 

JAMES M. BEEBY