A study of William Remington (1917-1954), an intriguing figure in the Truman administration caught up in the 1950s hunt for Communists.
In Un-American Activities, Gary May tells the fascinating story of William Remington-a story of intrigue, injustice, government corruption, and anti-Communist hysteria. May searched through FBI files and government documents, waging an epic battle against then-U.S. Attorney Rudolph Giuliani to become the first historian to obtain access to grand jury records. The result is a brilliant account of one man's tragic odyssey and a government run amok. May's account offers insight into the depth of Soviet penetration into wartime America. He brings his considerable analytical and narrative skills to bear on one of the forgotten stories of the McCarthy era, uncovering a gripping tale of espionage, corruption, and personal tragedy.
"The ambiguity of Remington's character creates a fascinating situation in which the victim is not a hero. May's meticulous research and lucid presentation set a formidable standard for future scholars aiming to uncover government secrets."-Kirkus Reviews