Once again a southern governor has shown Democrats the road to the White House. As a native southerner, President Bill Clinton has the opportunity to rebuild Democratic strength in the region. For the Republicans, carrying the entire South still remains a crucial imperative.

The Vital South is the first book to chronicle the massive shift of southern electoral power to Republican presidential candidates, while also showing how Democrats can again become competitive in the region. Deftly combining political narrative, in-depth analysis, and telling anecdotes, this book will be a definitive source on southern presidential politics for years to come.

Earl Black is Herbert S. Autrey Professor of Political Science at Rice University.Black Merle :

Merle Black is Asa G. Candler Professor of Politics and Government at Emory University.

The Blacks clearly map out the past and current political terrain...their masterful book is must reading for anyone who takes the American political process seriously.

Among the several useful and perceptive books about American politics that have of late been published, The Vital South stands out not merely for the acuity of its analysis but for the broad statistical evidence upon which that analysis is based. For strategists in both parties and for interested observers on the sidelines, it is essential reading.