... perhaps the most imaginative book to emerge from the Senate since Senator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts produced Profiles in Courage ... This volume examines both the lives and passions of Brown’s seat predecessors but provides a peek, too, at the struggles earlier progressives undertook to redeem their creed ... These portraits are brisk brush strokes that bring light and color to all their subjects ... There are some enduring truths in these pages, none so great and powerful as the notion that two political figures sharing the same enemies share 'the strongest bond two politicians can have.'
... might be wrongly dismissed as a mere campaign polemic. In truth, Brown’s elegant portraits of his Desk 88 predecessors have marvelous historical value ... Brown’s engaging book tacks solely to the left, valorizing Democratic dragonslayers who took on Jim Crow, Joe McCarthy, the Vietnam War and other evils ... What makes Desk 88 particularly engaging are anecdotes illuminating the heroes’ convictions and character ... Brown’s book suffers somewhat from its narrow focus on the white male fraternity that sat at Desk 88 — which reflects the entire Senate for most of its history. The approach makes it impossible to recognize the progressive contributions of female senators and senators of color. It also means some names get elevated undeservedly ... The book’s narrative also tends to sag whenever Brown abandons his solid historical approach to call out more recent policy accomplishments that he had a hand in, such as working to pass the Affordable Care Act ... Brown’s efforts to insert himself into the historical narrative are sometimes obtrusive ... Despite these quibbles, it’s heartening to know that the Senate today has a history-minded member like Brown among its ranks ... the senator is a fine prose stylist.
... well-researched ... Brown discusses with sincerity and honesty ... In this refreshing and well-conceived work, Brown recounts political battles, tough choices, dirty tactics, key compromises, successes, and failures ... With a depth of political knowledge and understanding only participation in Congress can impart, Brown has created an uplifting set of senatorial profiles that counters the negativity of this time of political divisiveness, lies, corruption, hatred, and intimidation with factual accuracy, respect, admiration, and appreciation.
Anyone who has seen or heard Brown speak on issues important to him will appreciate the organization and writing of Desk 88. Just like its author, the book is well-organized and passionate ... Recounting the fascinating history of former U.S. senators serves as a reminder that although we are at a complex, perilous moment in our nation’s history, we have been here before ... The biographical portraits also shed light on the continuing evolution of life in American politics ... You may not agree with him, but embracing his politics is not a requirement for appreciating the deep and endearing history of the progressive era in America. There was a time in our country when political disagreement could still find politicians seeking common ground for the public good. Brown reminds us of those bygone days, which hopefully will return to America’s political stage.
At times, in fact, his text reads almost like a campaign biography, but in March 2019, Brown withdrew from 2020 presidential consideration ... Earnest, committed, and even contentious, a text that will cause liberals to smile and conservatives to gnash their teeth.
Throughout, Brown is careful not to idealize his subjects ... This thoughtful, entertaining book will appeal to liberals and students of congressional history.
