The Elections That Changed the World - by Dana Bash (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

From CNN's Chief Political Correspondent and New York Times bestselling author Dana Bash comes a riveting journey into the most crucial elections in history, from the throes and uprisings of Ancient Rome to the modern-day political climate that put today's leaders in power

Elections can usher in economic prosperity, fresh solutions for calcified problems, and new policies that improve the lives of citizens everywhere. They can lead to war, a scarcity of resources and a loss of deeply-held values. In other words, elections matter, sometimes in ways we can't even anticipate.

Beloved CNN correspondence Dana Bash and celebrated writer David Fisher take readers on a journey through some of the most pivotal moments in history:

• Julius Caesar's election as praetor amid the unique voting practices of ancient Rome
• The 1620 creation of the Mayflower Compact in a ship anchored off Cape Cod
• The informal, hands-up election at a church gathering that made Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., leader of the Montogomery Improvement Association
• Catholic Cardinals' consequential selection of Pope John XXIII
• The ascendance of the first democratically elected female world leaders

This compelling book is a must-read for anyone who has ever wondered Does my vote matter? and those who are curious about how our election systems came to be.

Review Quotes

Praise for America's Deadliest Election

"In snappy and accessible prose, Bash and Fisher distill key themes, including how elected leaders such as McEnery 'let loose a monster' when they 'approved violence as an acceptable means to resolve political disputes.' America's Deadliest Election is the kind of book that might generate fresh interest in our country's brief post-Civil War attempt at creating a multiracial democracy."--The Washington Post


"Her meticulous re-creation of the confrontation, written with the prolific author David Fisher, couldn't be more well timed.... You should read this book if you crave historical insight into the chaos that enveloped the United States following Trump's loss in 2020. You might also consider reading it if you fear what may come in the months and years ahead. If nothing else, it will remind you that American Democracy has fought for its life before--and, at least for now, it's still here."--Air Mail

"Democracy is so fragile, and these series of stunning events from some 150 years ago are a reminder that a foundational principle--the peaceful transfer of power--is so easily shattered by people who will do anything to remain in office and play upon voters' fears and biases." --Nicolle Wallace, anchor of Deadline: White House on MSNBC

"It is astonishing to discover that a violent election in Louisiana in 1872 would have such a profound national impact on civil rights. America's Deadliest Election is both an important and gripping story and is a reminder that American history never ceases to surprise us."--Tom Clavin, New York Times bestselling author and coauthor of Throne of Grace: A Mountain Man, an Epic Adventure, and the Bloody Conquest of the American West

"This is an extremely important book about a little known but essential aspect of our history. It is the story of how we got to today and, unfortunately, where we might be going tomorrow." --Fred Gray, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and author of Alabama v. King and Bus Ride to Justice

"A harrowing dive into Louisiana's gubernatorial election of 1872...an elucidating case study in America's bitter history of refusing to recognize election results....The authors manage to render the tortuous details of these political shenanigans engaging, and the consequences timely and fresh. Enlightening cautionary tale whose fury resonates today."--Kirkus Reviews