[An] extremely interesting and thorough account of the history of populism in the United States. . . . [Formisano's] historical knowledge is prodigious and his account of the dynamics of populism in the country's early decades is obviously definitive. . . . A helpful resource for anyone researching the role of populism in the evolution of American social welfare policy.Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare
Formisano's theme is crucial in American history.Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography
Masterful . . . . [A] testament to [Formisano's] standing as a preeminent historian of American politics.Reviews in American History
Masterfully draws on diverse literatures in political theory, political history, social history, and gender history to offer fresh interpretations of American populist movements from the Revolution to the 1850s. . . . Should become required reading for American historians and political scientists.Journal of American History
A fine work of synthesis. . . . Formisano demonstrates a masterful knowledge of the historical literature, and produces a compelling narrative. . . . This is a wise, significant, and thought-provoking book that takes social movements out of the shadows and places them squarely in the middle of American politics.American Studies
Provide[s] a detailed exploration of disparate movements that are often given short shrift by historians . . . makes a convincing case.North Carolina Historical Review
[Formisano's] linkage of seemingly disparate movements should provoke new questions . . . . An important contribution to the history of populist movements and United States political history in general.Maryland Historical Magazine