Considered by many the most talented continuator of the Nashville Agrarians, Melvin E. Bradford occupies a special place in the history of modern Southern conservatism. Bradford challenged established views of the founding, nature, and political tradition of the American Union and, most controversially, the "myth" of Abraham Lincoln. His writings substantially expanded the cultural and intellectual vision of the Agrarians by adding a new political dimension, and provided vitality and intellectual weight to the Southern conservative tradition. Bradford’s scholarship can significantly contribute to a more multifaceted and nuanced understanding of American history, tradition, and identity. This book is the first comprehensive analysis of Bradford’s political thought.

Marcin Gajek is an assistant professor at the American Studies Center, University of Warsaw. He is also a former Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at the Collegium Civitas. His research interests focus on the history of political thought in general and on American political tradition in particular.