"A fascinating study of two important Floridians at a critical juncture in American history, when anticommunism made a decisive mark on postwar politics and culture. Clark effectively untangles the divergent strands in the complicated story of the Florida senatorial election of 1950, and he does so judiciously and fairly. Crisply written, engagingly presented, and carefully researched, this is essential reading for students of modern America."--William Link, author of Righteous Warrior: Jesse Helms and the Rise of Modern Conservatism "In this important and insightful work, Clark does much to separate myth from reality in the pivotal 1950 Florida Senate race that shaped state and national politics for decades to come. Red Pepper and Gorgeous George captures the drama, controversy, and chicanery of one of America's most memorable elections. A must-read for anyone interested in Florida and southern history."--Keith M. Finley, Southeastern Louisiana University