The Man Who Invented Conservatism tells one of the great untold stories of the 20th century and American political thought.
Frank S. Meyer is known as the founding father of the fusionist philosophy that defined the American right during the Cold War and continues to influence it today. Yet his life is a tale of transformation, as he travels from Communist to conservative, peace activist to soldier, Jew to Catholic, servant of Joseph Stalin to Ronald Reagan booster, and free-love enthusiast to family man.
Before Meyer’s defection from the American Communist Party he had already developed an early version of the theoretical blueprint for postwar conservatism. Present at the creation of William F. Buckley Jr.’s National Review, Meyer later wrote In Defense of Freedom, a canonical work of conservative political philosophy.
There is more to Meyer’s life and work, however: he was the literary editor who brought Joan Didion to a nationwide readership and discovered many other great talents.
Readers who journey by Frank Meyer’s side through these pages will meet the prime minister’s daughter clandestinely enjoying his romantic attentions; one of the last century’s most notorious dictators employing Meyer as a lieutenant; America’s most acclaimed playwright; the pioneering TV late-night host who became Meyer’s pen pal; the rock star living next door; and other eclectic characters drawn into this magnetic man’s orbit.
Historian Daniel J. Flynn has unearthed the lost correspondence and personal papers of Frank S. Meyer. Drawing upon Meyer’s own words and records as well as new interviews with those who knew him, Flynn documents Meyer’s incredible saga. The Man Who Invented Conservatism rewrites the history of the American right, exposing the rivalries, jealousies, friendships, and fights that shaped the movement and still inform what it means to be a conservative today.
