About the book

James Madison Grayson arrives at his party's convention as a delegate with little expectation of becoming its candidate. When established contenders fail to unite the delegates, his energy and speaking ability suddenly bring him the nomination. Harley, a correspondent recently returned from war reporting, rushes to tell him and becomes an observer of the campaign ahead. Altsheler treats electoral politics as a field of dramatic action, but gives equal weight to the friendships and personal loyalties surrounding the public contest. The opening celebrates the possibility that an obscure man might rise through democratic institutions, while the campaign tests what such optimism requires in practice. Western influence, national ambition, and the power of political presentation all enter the candidate's struggle to reach voters.

Democratic ambition
Journalism and politics
Character under public scrutiny

Why read it

Harley's perspective connects the spectacle of the convention with the private moment when a candidate first understands his new responsibility.

Contents and reading sections

About the book

Why read it

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