a," colorado college professor thomas cronin discusses his book, "imagining a great republic: polirixl nocwlas rhw political novels and the

a," colorado college professor thomas cronin discusses his book, "imagining a great republic: polirixl nocwlas rhw political novels and the idea of america." brian: thomas cronin, in your new book, "imagining a great republic," you say "all the kings's men" is the best political novel ever. why? tom: it's the best american political novel. first, it is beautifully written. warren is a great craftsman. you could add in some people like steinbeck and others, but warren was a gifted writer. it is important because he captures the paradox of politics and power. politics is inevitable and necessary, and you have to have power to make things happen and bring about change. it also talks about how power can be toxic, and can be intoxicating for somebody who wields it, and power shapes the wielder, and for the character, it captures that story. most of all, it is important because it is about moral responsibility. half the book is about governor stark's aid, jack burden, he is from the oligarchy in the privilege class, highly educated, a former reporter, and he gets sucked in and becomes the bagman an