Sam Tanenhaus’s monumental biography, Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America, chronicles the life and legacy of William F. Buckley Jr., the intellectual architect of modern American conservatism. Drawing on extensive interviews, exclusive access to Buckley’s private papers, and years of research, Tanenhaus offers a comprehensive portrait that is both critical and deeply researched1237.
The book traces Buckley’s journey from his privileged Catholic upbringing to his emergence as a defining force in American politics and culture. Buckley burst onto the national scene in 1951 with God and Man at Yale, a polemic against his alma mater’s secular liberalism. This book established him as a fierce critic of the intellectual establishment and laid the groundwork for his lifelong crusade to reshape American political discourse237.
Buckley’s founding of National Review in 1955 provided a platform that unified disparate strands of conservatism—traditionalists, libertarians, and anti-communists—into a coherent movement. As editor, columnist, and television host (Firing Line), Buckley wielded enormous influence, mentoring figures like Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan, and helping to propel the conservative movement from the political fringes to the White House237.
Tanenhaus explores Buckley’s public persona—witty, erudite, and combative—as well as his private life and the contradictions therein. The biography delves into Buckley’s alliances and controversies, including his support for Joseph McCarthy, his evolving stance on civil rights, and his complicated relationship with the culture wars of the late 20th century6. The book also uncovers lesser-known aspects of Buckley’s life, such as his CIA missions in Latin America and his connections to Watergate figure Howard Hunt23.
Intellectual Architect of Conservatism: Buckley is portrayed as the single most important figure in transforming conservatism from a marginal ideology to a dominant political force. Tanenhaus details how Buckley’s National Review shaped the movement’s intellectual rigor and public image1237.
Complexity and Contradiction: The biography does not shy away from Buckley’s missteps—his early opposition to civil rights, his sometimes reactionary stances on race and sexuality, and his penchant for polemics that could border on the cruel or dismissive46.
Performer and Public Intellectual: Tanenhaus highlights Buckley’s flair for performance, both as a writer and on television, where his debates with figures like Gore Vidal and James Baldwin became cultural touchstones4.
Evolution and Decline: The final sections examine Buckley’s later years, as the conservative movement fractured over issues like the AIDS crisis, the Iraq War, and the rise of the religious right. Buckley’s own influence waned as the movement he helped create took directions he sometimes opposed46.
Definitive Biography: With its exhaustive research and access to Buckley’s private papers, Tanenhaus’s work stands as the definitive biography of Buckley and a major contribution to the intellectual history of American conservatism1237.
Illumination of Conservative Origins: The book provides invaluable insight into the ideological origins and internal conflicts of the conservative movement, making it essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the roots of America’s current political landscape16.
Balanced Portrait: Tanenhaus offers a nuanced and psychologically astute portrait, acknowledging Buckley’s charisma and accomplishments while critically examining his flaws and the darker aspects of his legacy126.
Cultural and Political Context: The biography situates Buckley within the broader currents of 20th-century American life, making it a useful resource for students of history, politics, and media46.
Perceived Bias: Some conservatives have expressed skepticism about Tanenhaus’s perspective, fearing an unflattering or ideologically hostile portrayal. Critics point to Tanenhaus’s previous writings as evidence of a possible lack of sympathy for Buckley’s worldview5.
Overemphasis on Failures: Reviewers note that while Buckley’s political influence is well documented, the book dwells on his cultural defeats—such as his positions on race and sexuality—which may overshadow his lasting impact on American politics46.
Length and Density: At over 1,000 pages, the biography’s exhaustive detail may be daunting for general readers, and some sections—particularly the later years—are described as less engaging than Buckley’s earlier, more dynamic period4.
Interpretive Choices: Some critics argue that Tanenhaus’s analysis of Buckley’s motives and inner life sometimes veers into speculation, and that his focus on the movement’s “radicalism” may not fully capture the diversity of conservative thought6.
Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America is a landmark biography that offers a richly detailed, critical, and compelling account of William F. Buckley Jr. and the conservative revolution he led. Its strengths lie in its depth of research, psychological insight, and contextual analysis. However, its interpretive slant and exhaustive scope may limit its appeal for some readers, and its portrayal of Buckley’s failures may overshadow his achievements for others. Nonetheless, the book is an indispensable resource for understanding the man who reshaped American conservatism and, by extension, the nation itself123467.