[The Extremists: Gadflies of American Society is a] unique, very stimulating analysis of the extremist views and their proponents—whether right, left or center—that have influenced the American scene, from Colonial days to the present…. [Particularly] excellent is the last chapter on extremism in the '60's. The author's thesis is that extremism is an element necessary to an open-minded democracy…. His factual, unbiased presentation will serve to help develop readers' potential for critical thinking. (pp. 124-25)