The book is well-researched and documented, but it is clear that the author dislikes and disrespects the religious, political, and especially the antisemitic views of the Gerald L. K. Smith (1898-1976). I recall seeing the word “nitwit” and other pejoratives used to describe adherents of views similar to Smith in more the one place in the book.

Smith's father and grandfather were members of the Disciples of Christ and sometimes served as “preachers.” Smith, born in Wisconsin, became a member of the church at an early age and later graduated from what is now Valparaiso University in Indiana. He preached as a proverbial “spellbinder” in Christian Churches while attending school, and after graduating from Valparaiso, in churches in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Louisiana before changing his vocation to the political arena as an aide to Huey Long.

After Long was assassinated in 1935, Smith became associated with Father Charles E. Coughlin and Francis E. Townsend in political campaigns against Franklin D. Roosevelt. He also sought and/or received assistance from other right-wing people and politicians, including Henry Ford, Charles A. Lindbergh, and many others. Smith was making speeches across the nation and publishing a journal, “The Cross and the Flag,” as a venue for his political (anticommunism and antisemitism) views.

At the direction of President Roosevelt, Smith was investigated by the FBI, which was then under the leadership of J. Edgar Hoover. Eventually, Smith moved to Eureka Springs, Arkansas to build a statute, “Christ of the Ozarks,” a passion play, and a Christian theme park of “sacred projects,” and reduced his political activities. He died in Eureka Springs and is buried there.

The famous writer for the Baltimore Sun, H. L. Mencken, is quoted to say that “he had heard none who equaled Smith” as a speaker (p. 130).

In midlife, Smith was “disavowed” by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), but he maintained association with his Stone-Campbell religious heritage by placing membership in an independent Christian Church in Eureka Springs. He was married but once to a loving and loyal woman whom he met in Wisconsin.

The book includes a number of illustrations and has a helpful index.

I acquired the book on the used book market. It was pulled from a major university library and appears to never have been read. It may be a hint as to the significance of the subject matter! Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book, if not the subject, and found it to be somewhat entertaining as well as instructive.. ( )