The Rise and Fall of the Branchhead Boys

Christensen does an outstanding job of patching together what had to be hundreds of documents, letters and interviews to deliver a concisely written and thought-provoking historical account that is both rich in detail yet not overwhelming. He presents the story of the Scott political dynasty without editorial comment. In the best reporting tradition he places facts above commentary, providing just enough context to sharpen the clarity of sometimes murky events."—Burlington Times-News

"Longtime newspaper reporter Rob Christensen draws on media accounts, interviews, and oral histories to prepare a balanced assessment of these two political careers."—Choice

"A remarkable book about the Scott family and its influence on North Carolina progressive politics. . . . Christensen uses numerous primary sources, including family papers, diaries, letters, newspapers, oral histories, and government documents, as well as abundant secondary sources, to tell his engaging story. . . . [Which] provides fascinating insights into North Carolina's progressive politics in the twentieth century."—Journal of Southern History

"Compelling and exhaustively researched. . . . A lively political history."—North Carolina Historical Review This beautifully written political biography . . . [is] an insightful and eminently readable examination of the Scott family's political legacy."—Journal of American History