History Review

Others: Third-Party Politics From the Nation's Founding to the Rise and Fall of the Greenback-Labor Party
by Darcy G. Richardson
ISBN-10: 0595663974
review by Heather Froeschl


Third party politics wreak havoc in the two party system of America. It has been proven. Yet time and time again, a third party springs up out of the desires of the people. Some go strong and some fizzle out from the very beginning. The desire for change is a looming giant in the United States, and always has been. For the history of third party politics one only need to look to Darcy Richardson's "Others: Third-Party Politics from the Nation's Founding to The Rise and Fall of The Greenback-Labor Party." It's a long title and a long book but it is quite thorough and a highly recommended read for anyone who is intrigued by or even mildly irritated by third parties.

Beginning with the views of our founding fathers, Richardson covers the history of American politics, including: Free Democrats, southern rights and Native Americans, the emergence of the know-nothing party, the liberal Republican movement: reformers versus politicians, the prohibition and anti-monopoly parties in 1884, and so much more. This epic history lesson is extensively detailed and seemingly all-inclusive. However, Darcy Richardson writes like a man entranced with his favorite plaything. His book reads like the work of one who is in love with his topic. Thus, the reader is also entranced and finds the reading captivating.

The book can be read in bits and pieces; the reader choosing their favorite of the bygone parties and moments in history, or it can be read in whole in study of the American way. Whether for the home enthusiast or a college library, this holding will be greatly admired. The first in a four volume series, "Others" is a thoroughly researched piece of work that sets the bar for Richardson's future books. Expect good things from Richardson and you won't be disappointed.

As a reviewer I am not the biggest fan of reading lengthy history books, but "Others" was a compelling, enlightening and entertaining read.