This is the first volume of the trilogy, and covers Bryan's life to late 1908. The account of the Cross of Gold speech on July 9, 1896, is a riveting account of that most momentous speech in American political history. Coletta writes balanced history and does not hesitate to point out Bryan's faults, showing he was not a great thinker, was very stubborn and sure of his rightness, having little interest in history or literature. But the role he played was crucial in making the modern Democratic Party. If you like political history you will enjoy this volume.