📖 Overview
Allen Drury was an American journalist and novelist who won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1960. His most celebrated work, "Advise and Consent," drew from his experiences as a Senate reporter during World War II and became the definitive political novel of its era.
After graduating from Stanford University in 1939, Drury began his career as a journalist, serving as a Senate correspondent during the presidencies of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. His detailed observations of Washington politics during this period provided the foundation for his later literary work.
Throughout his career, Drury authored 20 novels, many of which explored themes of political intrigue and power dynamics in Washington D.C. His work was notable for its realistic portrayal of the American political system and its inner workings.
The success of "Advise and Consent" led to several follow-up novels set in the same political universe, while his final works drew inspiration from his college years at Stanford. Drury's published Senate diaries from 1943-45 provide additional historical insight into the Washington political scene during World War II.
👀 Reviews
Readers comment frequently on Drury's detailed portrayal of Senate procedures and political maneuvering, particularly in "Advise and Consent." Many note his insider knowledge from his years as a Senate correspondent.
Positive reviews highlight:
- Complex character development
- Accurate depiction of Washington power dynamics
- Suspenseful pacing
- Relevance to current politics
Common criticisms:
- Long-winded writing style
- Heavy-handed political messaging
- Dated social attitudes
- Repetitive descriptions
On Goodreads, "Advise and Consent" averages 4.1/5 from 3,800+ ratings. One reader notes: "The political machinations feel as real today as in 1959." Amazon reviews (800+) average 4.4/5, with readers praising the "behind-the-scenes authenticity" but criticizing "excessive detail" in Senate procedures.
Later books in the series receive lower ratings (3.7-3.9) with readers citing declining quality and increasingly strident political views. His non-political novels average below 3.5 stars with limited reviews.
📚 Books by Allen Drury
Advise and Consent - A detailed portrayal of a controversial Secretary of State confirmation process in the U.S. Senate.
A Shade of Difference - The sequel to Advise and Consent, dealing with international tensions at the United Nations.
Capable of Honor - The third book in the Advise and Consent series, focusing on media influence in presidential politics.
Preserve and Protect - Continues the political saga with a presidential campaign marked by violence and assassination.
Decision - The final volume of the original Advise and Consent series, presenting an alternate ending to Preserve and Protect.
A God Against the Gods - A historical novel about the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten and his religious reforms.
Anna Hastings - Chronicles the rise of an ambitious female newspaper reporter in Washington D.C.
Mark Coffin, U.S.S. - Follows a newly elected senator learning to navigate Washington politics.
Pentagon - Examines the internal workings of the U.S. Department of Defense.
The Throne of Saturn - A science fiction novel about America's first mission to Mars.
That Summer - A coming-of-age story set at Stanford University during the 1930s.
A Thing of State - Details the workings of the State Department during an international crisis.
A Very Strange Society - A non-fiction examination of apartheid-era South Africa.
Egypt: The Eternal Smile - A photographic journey through Egypt with accompanying text.
Courage and Hesitation - A collection of interviews with figures in the U.S. government during the Cold War.
A Shade of Difference - The sequel to Advise and Consent, dealing with international tensions at the United Nations.
Capable of Honor - The third book in the Advise and Consent series, focusing on media influence in presidential politics.
Preserve and Protect - Continues the political saga with a presidential campaign marked by violence and assassination.
Decision - The final volume of the original Advise and Consent series, presenting an alternate ending to Preserve and Protect.
A God Against the Gods - A historical novel about the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten and his religious reforms.
Anna Hastings - Chronicles the rise of an ambitious female newspaper reporter in Washington D.C.
Mark Coffin, U.S.S. - Follows a newly elected senator learning to navigate Washington politics.
Pentagon - Examines the internal workings of the U.S. Department of Defense.
The Throne of Saturn - A science fiction novel about America's first mission to Mars.
That Summer - A coming-of-age story set at Stanford University during the 1930s.
A Thing of State - Details the workings of the State Department during an international crisis.
A Very Strange Society - A non-fiction examination of apartheid-era South Africa.
Egypt: The Eternal Smile - A photographic journey through Egypt with accompanying text.
Courage and Hesitation - A collection of interviews with figures in the U.S. government during the Cold War.
👥 Similar authors
Gore Vidal wrote political novels that examined power dynamics in Washington and American history through a similar lens as Drury. His works like "Washington, D.C." and "Burr" share Drury's focus on the mechanics of political power and behind-closed-doors dealings.
Fletcher Knebel produced political thrillers focused on Cold War tensions and constitutional crises in American government. His novel "Seven Days in May" parallels Drury's interest in exploring threats to American democracy through fiction.
Richard Condon wrote political thrillers that exposed manipulation and corruption in American institutions. His works like "The Manchurian Candidate" share Drury's concern with political conspiracies and threats to democratic processes.
Edwin O'Connor created detailed portraits of American political life with a focus on the personal costs of public service. His novel "The Last Hurrah" demonstrates the same careful attention to political machinery and personal relationships that characterizes Drury's work.
Taylor Caldwell wrote sweeping political narratives that chronicled power structures and institutional conflicts in America. Her novel "Captains and the Kings" shares Drury's interest in examining how political ambition and government institutions shape American society.
Fletcher Knebel produced political thrillers focused on Cold War tensions and constitutional crises in American government. His novel "Seven Days in May" parallels Drury's interest in exploring threats to American democracy through fiction.
Richard Condon wrote political thrillers that exposed manipulation and corruption in American institutions. His works like "The Manchurian Candidate" share Drury's concern with political conspiracies and threats to democratic processes.
Edwin O'Connor created detailed portraits of American political life with a focus on the personal costs of public service. His novel "The Last Hurrah" demonstrates the same careful attention to political machinery and personal relationships that characterizes Drury's work.
Taylor Caldwell wrote sweeping political narratives that chronicled power structures and institutional conflicts in America. Her novel "Captains and the Kings" shares Drury's interest in examining how political ambition and government institutions shape American society.