Asa Carter was born in Anniston, Alabama in 1925. He was a strong believer in segregation and got involved in politics to try to further the agenda. He was also a member of the Ku Klux Klan before branching off to start his own little Klan cult. His members were involved in attacks against Black people, notably Nat King Cole and Judge Aaron, and many assumed it was at his instruction or with his blessing. He was also investigated by the FBI for involvement in fire bombings. When public opinion began to turn against Asa, he absconded to Texas and changed his name to Bedford Forrest Carter, a nod to his racist hero Nathan Bedford Forrest. He also decided to tan himself up and grow a moustache as part of the disguise, while claiming he was Indigenous. I cannot imagine why people believed that, but some apparently did. He decided to become a writer, with Clint Eastwood starring in a movie adaptation of one.

Anniston, Alabama is known for several unfortunate things, such as toxic chemicals and Asa Carter. That is a shame, because when I visited Anniston to check out a couple of museums, the people were so friendly and helpful. It's sad they have such a legacy. When Carter died, someone at his funeral commented about how miserable he looked in death. He was a miserable, sour grape of a person in life, and I can't imagine why he would be different in death. This book definitely packed in the details and disgusting statements and actions made by this man. I will certainly be using some quotes from this book in the Civil War class I just started.