The novel, narrated by Gene Forrester, delves into the intricate dynamics of Gene’s friendship with the charismatic Phineas (Finny) at Devon School, a fictionalized version of Phillips Exeter Academy. The story navigates the challenges of adolescence and the looming specter of World War II, leading to a tragic incident that alters the characters' lives. The novel explores universal themes such as friendship, jealousy, and the loss of innocence, set against the backdrop of a boarding school in wartime, adding layers of tension and symbolism to the narrative.
Published in 1954, this book provides a detailed analysis of the McCarthy era, focusing on the State Department security policies of the 1940s and McCarthy’s public cases. The authors defend McCarthy where the record supports him and criticize him where he overstepped. The book also critiques the Tydings Committee, arguing it was unfair and untruthful. It discusses the appropriate standards for national security employment and the balance between security risks and individual rights.
The book 'Happy Days Were Here Again' is a compilation of articles from the 80s and from the Reagan and Bush years. This collection of writings reflects on the political and cultural landscape of that time. Buckley shares his observations, opinions, and analyses on a variety of subjects, from politics and economics to culture and society. Readers will find his distinctive voice and wit throughout the essays. This book serves as a snapshot of an era and offers insights into the conservative perspective on the events and issues of the time.
This biography by Sam Tanenhaus explores the multifaceted life of William F. Buckley Jr., from his founding of National Review to his roles as a syndicated columnist, TV debater, and bestselling novelist. It delves into his alliances with prominent figures like Joseph McCarthy and Ronald Reagan, as well as his secret exploits and later struggles within the conservative movement.
This episode is one that Matt and Sam have been anticipating for years: after two-and-a-half decades of research and writing, Sam Tanehaus's authoritative biography of William F. Buckley, Jr.—youthful booster of America First, enfant terrible at Yale, CIA agent, founder of National Review, best-selling author, brilliant television host, and more—has blessedly arrived. Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America stretches to just under 900 pages of text, before you get to the endnotes and index, an appropriately epic biography of an overstuffed, consequential life, containing far more than could be covered in a single episode. This conversation focuses on the challenges of writing a biography of a man whose archives rivaled those found in presidential libraries; Tanenhaus's discovery of a newspaper the Buckley's owned in South Carolina that essentially was a mouthpiece for the White Citizens' Council, and the Southern roots of Buckley's "northern segregationist" politics; the influence of his oilman father, who fled the revolution in Mexico and instilled anti-communist politics, as well as the Catholic faith, in his children; Buckley's role in forging the post-war conservative movement, through National Review and his frenetic endeavors as a columnist and speaker; the controversies, disappointments, failures, and triumphs of his decades-long career; and more.
Sources:
Sam Tanenhaus, Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America (2025)
— Whittaker Chambers: A Biography (1997)
John Judis, William F. Buckley, Jr.: Patron Saint of the Conservatives (1988)
Sam Adler-Bell, "A Practical Fanatic," The Idea Letters, June 26, 2025
Alexander Chee, "Mr. and Mrs. B.," Longreads, June 18, 2025
Christopher Owen, Heaven Can Indeed Fall: The Life of Willmoore Kendall, (2022)
Listen again to these Know Your Enemy episodes for background on:
Brent Bozell: "Keeping up with the Bozells," Feb 26, 2021
Willmoore Kendall: "The Long Farewell to Majority Rule? (w/ Joshua Tait)," May 17, 2021
Frank Meyer: "Frank Meyer, the Father of Fusionism," Nov 10, 2021
Joan Didion: "Joan Didion, Conservative (w/ Sam Tanenhaus)," Jan 13, 2022
William F. Buckley, Jr.: "Buckley for Mayor (w/ Sam Tanenhaus)," Aug 23, 2021
— "The Conservative and the Convict (w/ Sarah Weinman)," May 9, 2022
— "Consider the Cranks (w/ David Austin Walsh)," May 21, 2024
...and don't forget to subscribe to Know Your Enemy on Patreon for access to all of our bonus episodes!
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