One of the few books that really deserves the adjective classic. The Agrarian group is the bete noire of some and the pantheon of cultural saints for others, but Conkin's book is the only one that strips the bark off and presents the men and their beliefs naked. What Conkin does that other writers can't is to factor in the ... Read morecontext that equalizes the hagiography. - Michael Kreyling, author of Inventing Southern Literature; ""Since this book is likely to become the standard undergraduate introduction to the Agrarians, it is fortunate that Conkin maintains both a willingness to criticize and an ability to admire."" - American Literature; ""Offers that rare, relatively objective look at a very talented but quite problematic and temporary alliance of writers. It is the best study we are likely to have, especially since Conkin knew some of the figures. And it will prove attractive to anyone teaching I'll Take My Stand, or planning any course dealing with the intellectual history of the South."" - John Lowe, Louisiana State University; ""Conkin demonstrates with uncommon skill that ephemeral truths of literature, history, and life spring from the realities of individual personalities, social interaction, patterns of human thought, time and circumstance."" - American Historical Review Show Less