LBB Presents ONLINE: Larry Tye - Demagogue

Left Bank Books welcomes New York Times bestselling author Larry Tye, who will discuss his new book, "Demagogue: The Life and Long Shadow of Senator Joe McCarthy," on Facebook Live at 6pm CST on July 28. Join us on our Facebook Page and order a copy of "Demagogue" from Left Bank Books to support authors and independent bookstores!

The definitive biography of the most dangerous demagogue in American history, based on first-ever review of his personal and professional papers, medical and military records, and recently unsealed transcripts of his closed-door Congressional hearings.

In the long history of American demagogues, from Huey Long to Donald Trump, never has one man caused so much damage in such a short time as Senator Joseph McCarthy. We still use “McCarthyism” to stand for outrageous charges of guilt by association, a weapon of polarizing slander. From 1950 to 1954, McCarthy destroyed many careers and even entire lives, whipping the nation into a frenzy of paranoia, accusation, loyalty oaths, and terror. When the public finally turned on him, he came crashing down, dying of alcoholism in 1957. Only now, through bestselling author Larry Tye’s exclusive look at the senator’s records, can the full story be told.

"Demagogue" is a masterful portrait of a human being capable of immense evil, yet beguiling charm. McCarthy was a tireless worker and a genuine war hero. His ambitions knew few limits. Neither did his socializing, his drinking, nor his gambling. When he finally made it to the Senate, he flailed around in search of an agenda and angered many with his sharp elbows and lack of integrity. Finally, after three years, he hit upon anti-communism. By recklessly charging treason against everyone from George Marshall to much of the State Department, he became the most influential and controversial man in America. His chaotic, meteoric rise is a gripping and terrifying object lesson for us all. Yet his equally sudden fall from fame offers reason for hope that, given the rope, most American demagogues eventually hang themselves.

“Larry Tye’s 'Demagogue' nails the defining biography of Joe McCarthy. I grew up a Cold War kid watching it all on television. I thought I knew it all, but Tye makes it real. To understand Donald Trump, you have to understand Joe McCarthy first, and Tye’s your guide.” —John Kerry, former US Secretary of State

“Tye has written a fabulous, can't-put-down examination of one of the most dangerous politicians in American history. But 'Demagogue' is more than a biography—it's a warning of the peril we are facing.” — William Cohen, former US Secretary of Defense

Larry Tye is the best-selling author of "Bobby Kennedy" and "Satchel," as well as "Superman," "The Father of Spin," "Home Lands," and "Rising from the Rails," and co-author, with Kitty Dukakis, of "Shock." Previously an award-winning reporter and national writer at the Boston Globe and a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University, he now runs the Boston-based Health Coverage Fellowship. He lives in Massachusetts.

All you need to do to participate is log in to your personal Facebook account, go to Left Bank Books' Facebook Page, "Like" the page, and wait for the livestream to begin on the page (you may need to refresh the page periodically until the stream begins).

For more information, email Shane Mullen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

https://www.left-bank.com/event/larry-tye-demagogue