A review by bookwarm_220
G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century by Beverly Gage

informative slow-paced

4.0

Excellent history of American society and political life from the 1920's through the 70's, as told through the life story of J. Edgar Hoover. Very detailed, well-told narrative.  Writing style was lucid but unemotional as the greatest events of 20th Century life unfold.  Author keeps an emotional distance throughout, then wraps up with a more lyrical epilogue, which gave me some emotional satisfaction.  I was interested throughout and learned a lot that help me put pieces together from my own memories of many of these events.  Hoover is a tragic hero.  He began his work with the highest motives but with time and events and pressures became corrupted.  The institution itself became what we despise in a democracy and this is a well-told tale any American with an interest in government should read.

However,  this book is LONG.  It is an effort to get through.  You have to be really interested in this subject to stay invested.  Fortunately I stuck with it.