经典推荐

《猎红：一部关于参议员麦卡锡生平的小说》

by William F. Buckley Jr. 小威廉 · 巴克利 著

My review:

A Swift Read and a Brilliant Plot revolving around a Histroical Titan

Controversies revolving around the senator of Wisconsin, Joseph Raymond McCarthy would keep enlivening the realm of political debate, his name is reckoned in the popular wisdom, synonymous with negative or even abhorring system of governance such as fascism, White Terror, or authoritarianism. But the reality was far more complex than the popular wisdom (or shall we say conventional knowledge). McCarthy still lives on in the minds of some, counted myself as one of the contrarians, as a Cold War warrior,an authentic American patriot, a staunch anti-communist fighter, and a historic titan whose undoing was often caused by hubris and misadventure -- a classic case of heroic tragedy.

This is Bill Buckley Jr. at his best in terms of literary panache (which has been a trademark of his prowess in literacy) and dramatic content based on fiction and history. It recounts the rise and fall of McCarthy, who originated as a chicken farmer and an adept Poker player from humble backgrounds in Wisconsin, who served honorably as a Marine officer in WWII's Pacific theater, and from then on embarked on an heroic journey of his quest for glory and honor in the national political arena. It expatiates in detail of the meaning and nature of "McCarthyism", and documented in chronic order the discombobulations, the intrigues, the rumors, the misjudgments, and the vicissitude of public opinions that revolved around this epic event of the 1950's.

Soon after the undoing of "McCarthyism", McCarthy had lost his aura and descended into the haze of alcoholism (a desideratum for his triumph and glory as well as his defeat and disgrace) and the oblivion of human remembrance. Nevertheless, we have to acknowledge his deed, and more importantly, his intent and resolutions of taking on such controversial role as the "Red Hunter", for which Bill Buckley was done a terrific job at evoking that spirit of authentic Americanism, and relentless quest for one's faith and conviction.

It is a must read for anyone who's interested in Bill Buckley (the godfather of American Neocon), as well as those who simply wanted to enjoy some good reading about such polemic historic figure as Joe McCarthy. The Red Hunter is informative, entertaining, and very substantial.