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All the King's Men

by Robert Penn Warren

Published: 2002-09-03
Paperback : 656 pages

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Recommended to book clubs by 2 of 3 members

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, this classic book is generally regarded as the finest novel ever written on American politics. It describes the career of Willie Stark, a back-country lawyer whose idealism is overcome by his lust for ...

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Introduction

One of the great classics of American fiction is now available in this restored edition that presents it as it was originally written. The winner of the 1947 Pulitzer Prize traces the rise and fall of Southern politician Willie Talos, an idealistic man of the people who is corrupted by success and lust for power. This edition is restored by Noel Polk.

Editorial Review

This landmark book is a loosely fictionalized account of Governor Huey Long of Louisiana, one of the nation's most astounding politicians. All the King's Men tells the story of Willie Stark, a southern-fried politician who builds support by appealing to the common man and playing dirty politics with the best of the back-room deal-makers. Though Stark quickly sheds his idealism, his right-hand man, Jack Burden -- who narrates the story -- retains it and proves to be a thorn in the new governor's side. Stark becomes a successful leader, but at a very high price, one that eventually costs him his life. The award-winning book is a play of politics, society and personal affairs, all wrapped in the cloak of history.

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Weblinks

»	1946 New York Times review
»	Discussion Questions provided by Debra Horng

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

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Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 2 of 3 members.

Member Reviews

Overall rating:

by Elisa J. (see profile) 07/04/20

by Karen C. (see profile) 05/18/19

by Tanya G. (see profile) 05/10/17

"Best Book Ever"by Charles C. (see profile) 02/25/17

"exceptional"by ELIZABETH V. (see profile) 11/14/16

The recent presidential campaign reminded me that I still haven’t read ALL THE KING’S MEN. It’s been in my parents’ bookcase all the while I was growing up, and I even tried to read ... (read more)

"All the king's men"by Marilee H. (see profile) 10/11/16

Too wordy. Author gets lost with over done descriptions. Most of our readers admitted to doing lots of 'skimming' to finish the book. However, I did learn about Huey long. And that part of our discussion... (read more)

"Corrupt Power Brings Bigger Fall"by Karen C. (see profile) 01/31/09

"All the King's Men" is a thought-provoking, fictional literary examination on corruption within government and the people inhabiting this venal political sphere. Loosely based on the real-life political... (read more)

"A Must Read for Poly Sci Majors or Voting Citizens"by Eileen K. (see profile) 06/22/07

This book is a true classic and a must read for anyone with an interest in American politics. Penn Warren's fictionalized story of Huey Long is a story of why we have the politicians we hav... (read more)

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