The Myth of Red Texas

“David Griscom has taken hold of Texas history and made it a sing a new song—a song not of a conservative “Old West” to nostalgically long for … a song that not only reminds us of a radical past, but also enables us to better understand why even now we feel the call to make America radically freer, more equal and more democratic.”—Harvey J Kaye

“Reclaims Texas’s political history from dominant conservative narratives, deftly tracing a rich legacy of collectivist class struggle, radical politics, and democratic movements, as well as providing essential lessons for the battles ahead.”—Emma Vigeland

“In this totally unique and indispensable book, Griscom [offers] a vivid history of the Texas populists, socialists, and unionists who have long raised hell in the Lone Star State. In telling our lesser-known history, The Myth of Red Texas surfaces resonant truths about the state’s political character and its possible futures.”—Meagan Day

“If the left is going to move forward, it has to recover its past. In this bracing and wonderfully written history of Texas, David Griscom has done us a great service … When Texans rebuild a vibrant left, Griscom’s book will be an indispensable resource.”—Vivek Chibber

“A lively and informative retelling of the forgotten history of populist and socialist movements in Texas, replete with colorful characters. Essential reading for those reclaiming Texas from a bastion of reactionary conservatism.”—Seth Harp

David Griscom is a writer and political commentator from Austin, Texas, with deep roots in the working-class experience. His work bridges Southern history and politics with the broader traditions of leftist thought and activism.

As the host of the podcast Left Reckoning and former producer of The Michael Brooks Show, David has become a prominent voice in political commentary. His incisive writing on politics and working-class history has appeared in Jacobin Magazine.