Blanche Bruce of Mississippi was the first black elected to a full term in the U.S. Senate. But, unlike say Frederick Douglass, he doesn't come off as a terribly inspiring figure, since he seemed to be more focused during his time in Reconstruction with building a family dynasty and ensuring federal appointments. His descendants do even worse, and reminded me of Thurgood Marshall's barely veiled criticism of Clarence Thomas that "there's no difference between a white snake and a black snake. They'll both bite...."

Very well done. Excellent.

This historical account should be in undergrad history classes!

Enlightening book but it went in great detail (more to my liking) in the personal politics. I guess it is good if you wanted to learn more about Bruce specifically but i would have liked a broader perspective on the era.

Very interesting and informative about Reconstruction America, Post reconstruction politics & the Black Elite

A tale of pulling yourself up by your boot straps. The story of Blanche Kelso Bruce is intriguing journey of slavey to a national powerbroker. Its interesting to note that many of the same conditions that occurred in Bruce's day are repeating themselves today - speculation, war, economic downturn, and class segregation between elitists in both the White and Black community versus working class and middle class Americans.

I was also amazed that although Bruce was light complected, his wife's family thought his family was inferior due to the Bruces being former slaves (although Bruce's mother was a house slave and a mistress to both of her White masters and favored above other slaves). I was definitely intrigued by the contradictions this book produces from Bruce's political alliances and calculations to that of his son.

Fascinating tale of the story of U.S. Senator Blanche (a former slave from Mississippi) his rise to power, and the challenges that he, his wife and his descendants faced; issues that they faced in spite of and because of their vaunted position should be remembered.

It is troubling that so many of his direct descendants are still alive but will not claim him.

I wasn't able to finish it but it was extremely interesting to me given that my family has roots in mississippi. I also found it intriguing that the descendants of these families are no longer involved in politics and don't really associate with the family name. Its a shame but appearance can do to a family and a people.