IN THE LAST THIRD of the 20th century, Samuel T. Francis became well-known as a learned and blunt political commentator in his columns, newsletters, and books. In a persistent and multi-faceted analysis, Francis described the U.S. elite (including both parties) as indifferent or hostile to the great American middle class. The elite's policies in economics, culture, and endless wars, disregarded both the beliefs and the interests of the people.

Although he passed away young in 2005, Francis was a prophet in predicting a populist revolt against the elite-that occurred with the Trump election of 2024.

This is the first biography of a powerful and prophetic American thinker, who sacrificed an establishment career to tell the truth. The skilled biographer Joseph Scotchie has brought Francis to life. Along the way he has also told much of the unwritten history of the paleo-conservatism and right-wing populism of recent times and their leaders.