Coming of Age in Utopia: The Odyssey of an Idea [Hardcover]

In this exquisitely wrought memoir of a committed life, historian and civil rights activist Paul Gaston reveals his deep roots in the unique utopian community founded in 1894 by his grandfather on the shores of Mobile Bay, Alabama. Fairhope grew into a unique political, economic, and educational experiment and a center of radical economic and educational ideals. As time passed, however, Fairhopes radical nature went into decline. By the early 1950s the author began to look outward for ways to take part in the coming strugglethe civil rights movement. Gastons career at the University of Virginia, where he taught from 195797, forms the core of Coming of Age in Utopia. What a fascinating life journey its been for Paul Gastonand how lucky we are that he has shared it with us in his new book. This distinguished University of Virginia professor was a lion of the civil rights movement, and his contributions remind everyone that a single persons deep commitment can make a giant difference. Dr. Larry Sabato, Director of University of Virginia Center for Politics
With characteristic candor and wit, Mr. Gaston tells the story of growing up in an idealistic community in Alabama and later confronting tough challenges and harsh realities on the front lines of the desegregation battle. For nearly a half-century, Mr. Gaston has written wisely and convincingly about the American South and the civil rights struggle that transpired there. This new book will be worthwhile reading for anyone who cares about our shared past and future prospects as American citizens. Mr. John T. Casteen, President, University of Virginia
Contrasting placespopulist Fairhope, Alabama, the utopian community turned reactionary resort, and the segregated University of Virginia become multiracialground Paul Gastons beautifully told life as an agent of change. This southern story needed to be told and now needs to be read, to remind us that positive change does not come easy. It only happenlƒ]