This work investigates how William Jennings Bryan transitioned from a progressive political leader to a staunch defender of fundamentalist religious values during the final decade of his life. Lawrence W. Levine, a distinguished historian, utilizes primary source documents, personal correspondence, and contemporary press accounts to analyze the ideological shifts that defined Bryan's later years. The book argues that Bryan's actions were not merely reactionary but were consistent with his long-standing commitment to majoritarian democracy and moral populism. By examining this specific period, Levine provides a nuanced portrait of a figure often reduced to a caricature in historical discourse.

Historians frequently cite this work as a definitive account of Bryan's later career, noting its balanced approach to a polarizing historical figure. The text is recognized for its scholarly rigor and its ability to contextualize the motivations behind Bryan's controversial public stances.