A first-rate survey of the various strands of domestic extremism, from far left to far right, that are increasingly convulsing our country. A must-read for students, scholars, officials, and others entering this important field. Mark Potok, Southern Poverty Law Center With contributions on areas ranging from anti-abortion extremism to modern anarchism and black nationalism, this is a fascinating study of an often neglected and vital area of American politics. Martin Durham, author of "White Rage: The Extreme Right and American Politics"The American Republic was born in revolt against the British crown, and ever since, political extremism has had a long tradition in the United States. To some observers, the continued presence of extremist groups and the escalation of their activities portends the fragmentation of the country, while others believe such is the way American pluralism works. The word "extremism" often carries negative connotations, yet in 1964 Barry Goldwater famously said, Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. "