A conspiratorial life Robert Welch, the John Birch Society, and the revolution of American conservatism Miller, Edward H. (Edward Herbert) creator author. text bibliography biography Biographies. History. Biographies. ilu 2021 2021 monographic eng print 456 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (black and white) ; 24 cm "This biography of Robert Welch, the founder of the John Birch Society, documents how his idiosyncratic philosophizing infused right-wing politics in America. Edward H. Miller explores every aspect of Welch, detailing his youthful egotism; his innovations in candy-making; his mix of brilliance and incompetence; and the development of his raging political beliefs. The John Birch Society was long seen as occupying the farthest reaches of the political spectrum, blending paleo-conservatism, libertarianism, paranoia, and rabid anti-Communism. Miller demonstrates how the Society became central to Republican grassroots operations and how Welch became a guiding light of the right, on a par with William F. Buckley"-- Edward H. Miller. Includes bibliographical references and index. n-us--- Welch, Robert 1899-1985 John Birch Society Biography Right-wing extremists United States Biography Conspiracy theories United States History 20th century Conservatism United States History 20th century United States Politics and government 1945-1989 Welch, Robert 1899-1985 John Birch Society. Conservatism Conspiracy theories Politics and government Right-wing extremists United States HISTORY / United States / General 1900-1999 fast E748.W436 M56 2021 320.53092 9780226448862 022644886X 9780226449050 2021017533 ICU/DLC 210419 20220309125432.4 in00004561959 eng