Clansman, An Historical Romance of the Ku Klux Klan

Published in 1905, 'The Clansman' by Thomas Dixon, Jr. is the second book in a trilogy set during the Reconstruction era. The novel presents a fictional narrative that reflects Dixon's views on the origins of the Ku Klux Klan, influenced by his uncle's involvement with the organization. Notably, it served as the basis for D.W. Griffith's 1915 film 'The Birth of a Nation' and has been criticized as dangerous propaganda promoting white supremacy and segregation. Despite its controversial nature, the book provides insight into the social conditions and attitudes of Americans during this tumultuous period.