Continetti is a well known and respected writer of the conservative intelligentsia. Here he has a written a much needed history of the movement and its politics. Written during a period of significant internecine debates between various subgroups within conservatism, this book aims to be a corrective to a lot of the false arguments that get thrown out there, from both within on the right and from outside on the left. It is a solid work and Continetti knows his stuff and did his research. While it is not a polemic, it is a history, there will certainly still be portions that different people will disagree with for different reasons depending on their own politics. And that's okay. Even if I disagreed with some of the conclusions, it is still an excellent read and I learned some history I hadn't known. I think that is more than enough to merit a recommendation.

As American conservatism grapples with how to define itself, this book is a great roadmap to see where conservatism has been, its turning point for the modern era (the 1960s and 70s), and where it may be headed in the future.

For books of a similar vein, see Rick Perlstein's Before the Storm, Nixonland, The Invisible Bridge, and Reaganland.

This is a really great overview of conservative American thought in the 20th century. For many readers, I don't think the overall story is anything particularly new, but to put these changes in a readable narrative is what makes this book stand out. One might understand the differences between conservatives and liberals in the 1920s-1930s, but to see how these larger transitions function through the 1960s and past really paints a picture on a grand scale.

In my view, the best chapters were the middle chapters on the 1960s and 1970s. Continetti does a great job describing Buckley and the rising conservative movement in the face of 1960s liberalism and Vietnam. It might be the history that is least known to general readers. Everyone who picks this up will know Reagan's appeal and the Trump phenomenon, but the "grassroots" of the project often gets left behind.

Continetti also does a great job trying to explain the transition to Trump. Although such recent history when written should always been seen as a first draft, he does a great job of starting a larger conversation for historians.

If someone is looking to understand how we go from small government Hoover to small government through large government intervention with Trump, I think this can lay out a great answer.

I have been liberal, independent, apathetic, republican, and conservative.
I have learned a vast amount about politics.
I was excited to read Mr. Continetti's book, however, I quickly realized he is part of the blanket political party, not any party of/for the people.
My idea of a good politician is one that promotes small govt, big freedom.
One that embraces the Constitution.
If you believe in a limited government, this isn't for you.
For myself, 1 star. For other readers, I'm giving it three stars because it has some great history about other presidents, good information on politics of the past and what could be looking forward.

Matthew Continetti's history of the Right from 1920 up to today is one of the very best books that I have ever read. Buy it and enjoy Continetti's tour de force of the last 100 years. Even better Continetti is an excellent writer who holds one's interest throughout every chapter. Indeed, Mr. Continetti's style reminds of my favorite historian, Paul Johnson. Believe it or not this book that should be dull and boring is actually a real page turner. The Right was very hard to put down as each evening the hour grew late. Buy this book, read it, and revel in its blow-by-blow action!