Robert C. Byrd: Child of the Appalachian Coalfields

This autobiography follows West Virginia Senator Robert C. Byrd's experiences from his boyhood in the early 1920s to his election in 2000, which won him an unprecedented eighth term in the Senate.

Author: Robert C. Byrd
Publisher: West Virginia University Press
Published: 04/01/2015
Pages: 848
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 2.60lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.10w x 1.80d
ISBN13: 9781940425542
ISBN10: 1940425549
BISAC Categories:
- Biography & Autobiography | Political

About the Author

The longest-serving senator in history, Robert C. Byrd gained his higher education in the Senate. Rising from an impoverished childhood in the coalfields of West Virginia, Byrd entered public office in 1947 without a college degree. As a senator he earned a law degree by attending classes in the evenings. His careful reading of the Senate's rules, precedents, and history made him a formidable opponent in debate and fueled his rise through party leadership to become Democratic Conference secretary (1967-1971), whip (1971-1977), and leader (1977-1989). Senator Byrd died on June 28, 2010, having served for 51 years, 5 months, and 26 days.