James W. Riddlesperger

Inspired by his parents’ love for the written word, former Speaker of the House Jim Wright developed a passion for books and writing at a young age. During his thirty-four years as a US Congressman and two years as Speaker of the House, written communication continued to play an integral role in Wright’s life as he developed an increased understanding of the power of words. Through a sampling of some of Wright’s finest work, The Wright Stuff follows the major elements in Wright’s political career, ideological development, and philosophical thought. A prolific and accomplished writer, Wright possesses the keen ability to properly contextualize historic events while providing enduring lessons in governance and life. In addition to offering a unique perspective on Wright’s contemporaries and the leaders of today, this compilation of speeches, essays, and excerpts from his previous work addresses many of the major national and international events of the twentieth century. Additionally, this book chronicles a more personal narrative through Wright’s reflection on the most important influence of his young life—his parents—and shares some of the key lessons he learned during his service with the US Air Corps during World War II. Generously illustrated with photographs, The Wright Stuff allows readers to celebrate the many accomplishments of Speaker Wright, and, through his eyes, to gain a greater understanding of many of the signature events of the twentieth century.

For the more than fifty years that Democrats controlled the U. S. House of Representatives, leadership was divided between Massachusetts and Texas. When the Speaker was from Texas (or nearby Oklahoma), the Majority Leader was from the Boston area, and when the Speaker was from Boston, the Majority Leader was from Texas. The Austin-Boston Connection analyzes the importance of the friendships (especially mentor-protégé relationships) and enmities within congressional delegations, regional affinities, and the lynchpin practice of appointing the Democratic Whip.

For the more than fifty years that Democrats controlled the U. S. House of Representatives, leadership was divided between Massachusetts and Texas. When the Speaker was from Texas (or nearby Oklahoma), the Majority Leader was from the Boston area, and when the Speaker was from Boston, the Majority Leader was from Texas. The Austin-Boston Connection analyzes the importance of the friendships (especially mentor-protégé relationships) and enmities within congressional delegations, regional affinities, and the lynchpin practice of appointing the Democratic Whip.