In the biography “BUCKLEY: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America,” author Sam Tanenhaus explores the complex legacy of William F. Buckley Jr., the founding figure of National Review and a significant player in shaping modern conservatism. Despite Buckley’s passing in 2008, the political landscape he once navigated seems almost nostalgic today, especially with the rise of contemporary right-wing figures like Steve Bannon and the controversial ideas stemming from platforms like those of the Bronze Age Pervert.
Tanenhaus’s in-depth examination captures not just a historical figure, but also engages with the cultural shifts that Buckley’s life and work anticipated. The biography paints a picture of Buckley as more than just a guardian against fringe politics; it suggests that his ideas and methods foreshadowed many of the tumultuous dynamics currently at play in American politics.
Notably, Buckley’s early work, such as “God and Man at Yale,” which critiques his alma mater for its perceived liberal bias, illustrates his willingness to confront prevailing norms. His call for alumni to leverage their financial power to influence institutional change reflects a combative approach that resonates with today’s politicized environment, where calls for accountability and action are increasingly common.
Tanenhaus’s portrayal ultimately mixes admiration with a sense of loss. He envisions Buckley as a figure who might have resisted some of the extremes of modern political culture, yet paradoxically, Buckley also laid the groundwork for the very movements that have since proliferated.
This biography serves as a reminder of the ongoing evolution within conservative thought and the importance of understanding the roots from which today’s ideologies sprang. It offers readers insight into not only Buckley’s influential life but also the broader context of American conservativism and its continuing transformation.