Against the Tide: One Woman's Political Struggle

by Harriet Keyserling, Richard W. Riley (Foreword by)

Overview

An unconventional politician's struggle to effect change in spite of overwhelming obstacles

Against the Tide tells the intensely personal story of Harriet Keyserling, an unconventional politician struggling to gain self confidence, beat the odds, and make a lasting difference. Tracing Keyserling's journey into the world of "good ol' boy" Southern politics and her labors to reform the political system in South Carolina, it is the story of a woman who arrived a Yankee liberal and became an effective eight-term legislator in the South Carolina House of Representatives. At a time when the political tide was turning, Keyserling proved that one person can effect change in spite of overwhelming obstacles. In the new preface to this paperback edition, Keyserling brings her story up to the present and discusses its relevance to a radically different political scene.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781570035418
Publisher:	University of South Carolina Press
Publication date:	03/31/2004
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	420
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.25(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Harriet Keyserling graduated from Barnard College with honors in economics and mathematics. She lives in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Table of Contents

	List of Illustrations	ix
	Foreword	xii
	Preface	xv
	Introduction	1
1.	Family	4
2.	The Keyserlings	20
3.	Beaufort	26
4.	County Council: The First Step	46
5.	Running for the Legislature	61
6.	Cast of Characters	69
7.	The Beaufort Delegation	94
8.	Past Reformers	105
9.	The First Year	131
10.	My First Bills	144
11.	Nuclear Waste	174
12.	Filibusters	194
13.	The Five-Percent Reserve Fund Caper	210
14.	The Education Improvement Act	219
15.	NCSL: Going National	242
16.	Women and Politics	254
17.	The Arts and State Government	282
18.	Other Elections	309
19.	Energy Policies	332
20.	Back to Beaufort	352
	Index	376

What People are Saying About This

David S. Broder

This is a marvelous memoir—modest, brave, principled, and compassionate, just like the woman who wrote it.

Pat Conroy

Against the Tide is the best book I have ever read about the byzantine politics of the South. It makes issues that bore me to death absolutely fascinating. The book is passionate, necessary, and extraordinarily well-written. It has the look of a classic.

Editorial Reviews

"Harriet Keyserling's insider account will provide lasting historical insight into an important period of political change."

South Carolina Historical Magazine

This book is not just a call to women to join in political struggles. It is an inspiration on another level—as proof that one courageous person can bring about change in the face of overwhelming odds.

Southern Changes

"Harriet Keyserling's insider account will provide lasting historical insight into an important period of political change."

-- "South Carolina Historical Magazine"

This book is not just a call to women to join in political struggles. It is an inspiration on another level--as proof that one courageous person can bring about change in the face of overwhelming odds.

-- "Southern Changes"

From the Publisher

Keyserling, an eight-term legislator in the South Carolina House of Representatives, describes the intensely personal journey of an unconventional politician struggling for self-confidence, overcoming odds, and making a lasting difference. Her story proves that one person can effect change in spite of overwhelming obstacles. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknew.com)

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