Louise Thompson Patterson

“Bravo! Another elegant, inspiring, and complex chapter in the history of black radical internationalism has been written. And not surprisingly, the brazen intellectual and organizer at the center of the story is a woman. In this case that woman is the passionate, persistent, and worldly Louise Thompson Patterson. Professor Gilyard has given us a great narrative gift in this thoroughly researched and powerfully written biography of such an important figure in black left history.” - Barbara Ransby, author of Eslanda: The Large and Unconventional Life of Mrs. Paul Robeson

"The incredible story of Louise Thompson Patterson needed to be told, and Keith Gilyard delivered. A beautiful, dynamic account of one of the most dangerous, courageous, and brilliant women of the twentieth century, this work tracks Thompson Patterson into the very epicenter of U.S. and international radical art, culture, and insurgent movements. Wherever she went—Harlem or Chicago, Berkeley or Birmingham, Moscow or Madrid—eruptions inevitably followed." - Robin D. G. Kelley, author of Hammer and Hoe: Alabama Communists during the Great Depression

(Starred Review) "An important book in helping to understand the persistent racism faced by African Americans in this country and what individuals can do to help fight against the injustice." - Amy Lewontin, Library Journal

"It’s fascinating to read biographies of Black women, particularly those for women as complex and layered as Louise Thompson Patterson.... Gilyard offers a look at one of the most dynamic Black women who’s ever walked the Earth." - Evette Dionne, Bitch

"Louise Thompson Patterson is the finest sort of biography: impeccably researched and chock full of detail, it also compels the reader by crafting a powerful image of the world in which Louise and her comrades lived and struggled.... Gilyard has offered a masterful portrayal of a key figure in 20th century American history; more importantly his work reminds us there are heroes—imperfect people, like all humans, yet heroes nonetheless—whose commitment, idealism, and perseverance can still serve as an inspiration for us today." - Hans Rollman, PopMatters

"[T]he story of a highly engaged African American Leftist who remained true to her convictions over the course of the 20th century. Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above." - J. E. Anderson, Choice

"Keith Gilyard offers deep and invaluable insight into the life of one of the most important Black leftists of the twentieth century." - Charisse Burden-Stelly, Black Perspectives

"A compelling narrative of political development. . . . We are fortunate to have Gilyard’s informed, sensitive account of a Black woman of the Left." - Cheryl Higashida, Against the Current

"This pioneering biography deftly contributes to the emerging historiography on radical black feminists." - Anthony J. Stanonis, Journal of American History

"Louise Thompson Patterson has brought Patterson’s story to life through abundant research and appropriate admiration." - Paul Buhle, Science & Society

"Louise Thompson Patterson is a compelling, descriptive, and engaging narrative. . . . A welcome addition to existing biographical studies on radical black women political leaders." - LaShawn Harris, Left History

"Gilyard’s work is a good contribution to the field of African American struggle in the United States during the twentieth century. It is accessible, insightful, and provocative." - Anna Hamling, Journal for the Study of Radicalism