Political Assassins, Terrorists and Related Conspiracies in American History

Readers will be hard-pressed to find a more exhaustive study than Johnson's work examining many of the most notorious acts in American history. Providing theory and context for countless violent plots aimed to affect American politics, this work is a must read for those interested in fringe activities in the United States." - Robert M. Alexander, founding director of the Ohio Northern Institute for Civics and Public Policy

"For centuries, people who struggle with psychological and emotional disorders have been perceived as dangerous and unpredictable. Although clinical psychologists warn against the use of such labels, Political Assassins, Terrorists, and Related Conspiracies in American History provides historical accounts of how political extremism, personality disorders, and psychological trauma have contributed to devious and reckless behaviors towards high-profile political figures. From the conspirators who plotted against Abraham Lincoln, through the mysterious story of Lee Harvey Oswald, to the extreme fundamentalists of today, you will find all of the details you need in this historical encyclopedia of some of the world's most disturbing political occurrences. This book is a must read for anyone who is curious about the juncture where political history and psychological conspiracies collide." - Ronald Holste, M.A.S.S. Instructor of Psychology and Political Science, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

"Scott Johnson deftly combines analysis of the psychological, ideological, and religious motivations of assassins with broad historical insight into the circumstances surrounding acts of political violence. His framework of comparing presidential assassins, domestic assassins, and domestic and foreign terrorists provides ground for understanding the psychology of immoderate acts" - Hans Hacker, associate professor of Political Science, Arkansas State University