Kingfish

In "Kingfish," Richard D. White, Jr. explores the tumultuous life of Huey Long, who dominated Louisiana politics from 1928 until his assassination in 1935. Known for his ruthless ambition and iron-fisted control, Long greatly impacted the lives of the state's impoverished citizens through his radical policies, while also becoming a lightning rod for controversy. Drawing on new source material, White crafts a vivid, engaging biography that captures Long's complex legacy as both a dangerous demagogue and a visionary reformer, highlighting his dramatic rise, significant achievements, and tragic downfall amid the turbulent backdrop of the Great Depression.