“Delgadillo’s book is focused on White’s political activities, as a “crusader for democracy” [and] it succeeds very well.”— Middle West Review
“Delgadillo has given us a much-needed new biography of an important political figure. He is to be congratulated on ensuring that this complicated and influential figure will continue to be remembered.”—Kansas History
"Crusader for Democracy is well written and meticulously researched, drawing on many primary sources. By turning the spotlight on White’s political career, Delgadillo has made a valuable contribution to our understanding of the relationship of journalism to politics in the first part of the twentieth century."—H-Net Reviews
"A well-written and enjoyable read, Crusader for Democracy makes an important contribution to the literature on the press and politics. Highly recommended"—Choice
"Delgadillo traces White’s exploits as a leading Progressive during that movement’s heady heyday, as well as his frustrations as the U.S. moved into the more conservative 1920s and, finally, his reluctance to embrace fully Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal."—Wall Street Journal
"A solid piece of history, based as it is on primary documents in nineteen archives."—Journalism History
"Those who read Crusader for Democracy will learn much about this important man that can offer us a blueprint for navigating through our current tumultuous political times."—Claremont Review of Books
"Drawing extensively on White’s papers and other archival sources, Delgadillo’s fine portrait of this important historical figure will appeal to those interested in journalism and political biographies."—Library Journal
“Charles Delgadillo has produced a full-fledged political biography of William Allen White that showcases the political power and influence of a man who never sought public office but for five decades had the ear of the nation’s leaders, Democrats and Republicans alike. The author demonstrates a mastery of White’s writings, including his books, newspaper articles, autobiography, and vast correspondence. Crusader for Democracy is a nuanced account of how a stubbornly provincial man nonetheless became a valued confidant and adviser to some of the most influential leaders in American history, including Theodore Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.”—Nancy C. Unger, author of Fighting Bob La Follette: The Righteous Reformer
“Charles Delgadillo’s Crusader for Democracy is the long-awaited biography of William Allen White, the famed editor of the Emporia Gazette. White was a political giant in his own right, and Delgadillo ably tells us why with clear prose, meticulous research, and absorbing analysis. Highly recommended!”—Douglas Brinkley, professor of history at Rice University and author of Cronkite
“Delgadillo mixes a keen eye for the historical details of William Allen White’s life with old-fashioned political history and tops it off with a contemporary and urgent desire to understand the underpinnings of American politics. The book will leave all readers with a strong sense of the timelessness of many political issues, the shifting coalitions and forces that drive the political system, and the once crucial role played by the Midwest in the political past—a role that has again returned the region to the spotlight.”—Jon Lauck, University of South Dakota