In this insightful American Populist book review originally featured in the London Review of Books, Jefferson Cowie examines Thomas Patterson’s exhaustive Huey Long biography. Patterson, a successful Chicago attorney and author, moves beyond traditional historical caricatures to explore the deep roots of left-wing populism and its lasting impact on US populist political history. This meticulous analysis offers readers a fresh lens into Louisiana governor history and the shifting paradigms of the American political landscape during the New Deal era.

The article from University Cube revisits the complex legacy of Huey Long, exploring whether he was a populist reformer or an authoritarian threat. Drawing from Thomas E. Patterson’s book American Populist, it highlights Long’s rise from poverty, his self-education, and his transformative policies as Louisiana’s governor—such as free textbooks and infrastructure development. While praised for championing the working class, Long’s fiery rhetoric and centralized power also sparked concerns about democratic norms, making his legacy both impactful and controversial.

Published in 2026 Illinois Super Lawyers magazine By Andrew Brandt on January 16, 2026 Thomas E. Patterson had read T. Harry Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning 1969 Huey Long biography, and he’d watched the Ken Burns documentary on the former Louisiana governor. But it was the 2008 financial crisis that sparked Patterson’s own interest in writing about Long. “Wealth inequality was Huey’s central concern throughout his life,” says Patterson, a business litigator at The Patterson Law Firm in Chicago. “If you’re looking at a biography, you need an interesting person and interesting times. And here I had a fascinating person in weird times.” Patterson had written a book on injunctions for the American Bar Association in 2009, and he figured it would take three years to write what would become American Populist, ultimately published by LSU Press in 2025. “That’s like a lawyer estimating their fees in advance,” he laughs. Though he’d never written a biography before, Patterson had a leg up: No biographer had previously tapped into Long’s personal papers, which were donated to LSU after Williams’ biography was released. “That really gave me an insight into his early life,” Patterson says. “And then, with the internet, I could research better

Many people view Louisiana’s Huey Long as a demagogue. A new book offers a different view. Author Thomas Patterson answers questions about his biography BY TYLER BRIDGES | Staff writer Thomas E. Patterson, a Chicago lawyer, is the author of a new biography of Huey Long published by LSU Press. It’s called “American Populist: Huey Long of Louisiana.” Promotional materials describe it as “a profound reevaluation of his life and legacy, recognizing him as an inspirational progressive thinker, populist hero, and radical influence on the New Deal before an assassin’s bullet ended his life in 1935.” This interview has been edited for clarity. Q. What prompted you to write the book on Huey Long? A. I got interested in Huey with the (T. Harry) Williams biography and the Ken Burns documentary, reading “All the King’s Men” and seeing the movie and following the subsequent scholarship after Williams where some people said Williams was too favorable. He (Huey Long) was a fascinating character. If you’re looking at a biography, you want an interesting guy or an interesting woman and interesting times. Huey’s fascinating. He had faults and talents, victories, defeats, comebacks, conflicts, all the things you learn in 8th grade English.

132 years after his birth, Huey Long’s spirit abides. Thomas E. Patterson’s new biography, “American Populist,” dives deep into the life of the Kingfish, drawing fascinating parallels and stark contrasts with Donald Trump. Is history repeating itself? Explore the complex legacy of a man who promised to make “every man a king.”

Discusses Thomas E. Patterson’s biography American Populist: Huey Long of Louisiana, focusing on Long’s legacy as “The Kingfish.” The piece explores how Patterson uses newly uncovered personal papers to present a more nuanced view of Long—not just as a fiery populist, but as a reformer who reshaped Louisiana politics and challenged national norms during the Great Depression.

Author Thomas Patterson discusses his new Huey Long biography, revealing stunning parallels between Long’s populist tactics and Donald Trump’s political style.

Discover the meticulous process behind writing a Huey Long biography. Author Thomas Patterson discusses his research, the challenges of tackling a polarizing figure, and what Huey Long’s story teaches us about today’s political climate.

The article from Writer’s Life Magazine explores how Huey Long’s Depression-era populism continues to influence modern politics. In American Populist: Huey Long of Louisiana, author Thomas E. Patterson presents a vivid portrait of Long’s rise, reformist agenda, and enduring legacy. Drawing from newly uncovered personal papers and legal expertise, Patterson highlights Long’s fight for economic justice and his relevance to today’s political movements.

The InMag article highlights Thomas E. Patterson’s biography American Populist: Huey Long of Louisiana as a compelling account of Long’s life, political strategy, and legacy. Known as “The Kingfish,” Long is portrayed as a bold reformer who championed wealth redistribution, free education, and pensions during the Great Depression. Patterson draws from unused personal papers to offer a balanced view of Long’s achievements and controversies, making the book relevant to readers across the political spectrum.