redrobinbookreviews

Age of Betrayal: The Triumph of Money in America, 1865-1900   Jack Beatty
Very well written (e.g., “the Populists sought to pull the New Deal through the sleeve of time”), well-researched, highly intelligent, and erudite history of the United States in the last third of the 19^th century. Interesting emphasis on Tom Scott’s unacknowledged place in financial and political corruption. Gripping accounts of the horrors of southern “redemption,” the Great Railroad and Homestead strikes, and the People’s Party juxtaposed against the conspicuous and disgusting opulence of the moneyed class. Really enjoyed the uncompromising, accurate point of view. This is a very good book.