In "The Second Coming of the Ku Klux Klan," Linda Gordon masterfully chronicles the explosive resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan in the early 1920s, a period often overshadowed by the Klan's earlier and later iterations but no less insidious. This second coming of the Klan, unlike its predecessor, spread its tentacles far beyond the South, embedding itself into the fabric of American society from New Jersey to Oregon. With a membership boasting between four to six million white Protestant native-born citizens, including an astonishing 1.5 million women, the Klan of the 1920s waged a war not just against African Americans but also targeted Catholics, Jews, and immigrants, advocating for a brand of "100% Americanism" that sought to purify the nation through a pernicious blend of patriotism and xenophobia. Gordon's riveting narrative reveals how this Klan era, now largely forgotten, shaped mainstream national politics and sowed seeds of division that echo chillingly in today's political landscape. The Klan's influence extended its reach through newspaper ads, churches, and spectacular mass pageants that celebrated a twisted version of Americanism, complete with cross-burnings and nationalistic fervor. Yet, as Gordon meticulously documents, the Klan's downfall was as dramatic as its rise, crippled by the corruption and moral bankruptcy of its leaders. Through "The Second Coming of the Ku Klux Klan," Gordon not only captures a pivotal moment in American history but also offers a cautionary tale about the enduring power of hate and intolerance, making it a critical read for understanding the complexities of American societal dynamics.