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07.01.12 Randolph, John of Roanoke, two biographies recommended: The Life of John Randolph of Roanoke, by Hugh A. Garland, in 2 volumes, published in 1850 and John Randolph of Roanoke: A Study in American Politics, by Russell Kirk, published in 1951.

Our Review

John Randolph (1773 – 1833) was known in his time and today as “John Randolph of Roanoke.”  He was a Virginian, a farmer and an eloquent advocate of State Rights.  As a Representative in the Federal House of Representatives at various times between 1799 and 1833 and as a Senator from 1825 to 1827, Randolph was a fundamentalist on the issue of State Rights, including the right of a State to declare an act of Congress to be in violation of the Federal Constitution, which would thereby allow it to refuse to enforce the law or laws thus promulgated from Washington, D. C.

The Society is recommending two biographies of this important political leader and political philosopher:

The Life of John Randolph of Roanoke, by Hugh A. Garland, in 2 volumes is a rich source for Randolph’s letters and speeches as well as his life. 

John Randolph of Roanoke: A Study in American Politics, by Russell Kirk, presents the life of Randolph with greater emphasis on his political and philosophical attitudes and their relation to the conservative advocacies of Russell Kirk (1918-1994).

Availability of these Books

Both biographies have been reprinted several times and can be easily found as a used book on Amazon and similar outlets.

HRW