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The Grocer Who Sold McCarthyism

The Grocer Who Sold McCarthyism

The Rise and Fall of Anti-Communist Crusader Laurence A. Johnson
by Fred M. Fiske
Non-Fiction - Biography
354 Pages
Reviewed on 06/18/2024
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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Grocer Who Sold McCarthyism: The Rise and Fall of Anti-Communist Crusader Laurence A. Johnson is a work of non-fiction in the American history, biography, and sociocultural writing genres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Fred M. Fiske, this fascinating work explores Laurence A. Johnson's fervent campaign against communism in 1950s America, leveraging his supermarket influence to blacklist entertainment figures and shape national discourse. The narrative delves into Johnson's rise to prominence and also explores the broader implications of McCarthyism on freedom of expression and individual liberties in America. In-depth research offers readers a compelling dive into a lesser-known facet of American history, revealing Laurence A. Johnson's surprising impact on the entertainment industry during the Red Scare era.

Johnson's transformation from a local grocer to a powerful figure wielding influence over major corporations and media personalities showcases the chilling power of fear and ideological zeal in shaping public discourse. Fiske's biographical skills are confident and smooth, unraveling Johnson's methods and motivations with a keen sense of psychology, and highlighting the ruthless tactics that affected the careers of numerous artists and entertainers. As I read, I felt a mix of fascination and unease at Johnson's ability to manipulate both economic leverage and public paranoia to enforce his anti-communist agenda. Fred M. Fiske's thorough research and vivid storytelling paint a vivid portrait of an era marked by suspicion and censorship, prompting reflection on the enduring tensions between security and civil liberties in democratic societies. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Grocer Who Sold McCarthyism to anyone interested in culture and sociopolitical dynamics in an accomplished and detailed read.

Rachel Netzband

For me, a recent great read is the newly published book, The Grocer Who Sold McCarthyism, by Fred M. Friske. It resonated all too well with the fear generated by Senator Joseph McCarthy in the 1950's when I was a high school student. I could not believe at the time that one man had the power to destroy so many innocent lives. And now, I've learned of another man, a local grocer, who also destroyed so many lives with his own anti-communist tactics. His name was Laurence Johnson, and the story of his rise to power and his ultimate destruction is well told in Fiske's narrative. The book is well documented and its story becomes more fascinating as one turns each page. Near the end of the book , a local editorial is quoted using a line from Shakespeare's "Othello" to describe Johnson as "one who loved not wisely, but too well."

Rachel Netzband

For me, a recent great read is the newly published book, THE GROCER WHO SOLD MCCARTHYISM , by Fred M. Fisk. It resonated all too well with the fear generated by Senator Joseph McCarthy in the 1950's when I was a high school student. I could not believe at the time that one man had the power to destroy so many innocent lives. And now, I've learned of another man, a local grocer, who also ruined so many lives with his anti-communist tactics. His name was Laurence Johnson, and the story of his rise in power and his ultimate destruction is well told in Fiske's narrative. The book is well documented and its story becomes more fascinating as one turns each page. Near the end of the book, a local editorial is quoted using a line from Shakespeare's Othello to describe Johnson as "one who loved not wisely, but too well."