Barry Goldwater is a defining figure in American public life, a firebrand politician associated with an optimistic brand of conservatism. In an era in which American conservatism has lost his way, his legacy is more important than ever. For over 50 years, in those moments when he was away from the political fray, Senator Goldwater kept a private journal, recording his reflections on a rich political and personal life. Here bestselling author John Dean combines analysis with Goldwater's own words. 

With unprecedented access to his correspondence, interviews, and behind-the-scenes conversations, Dean sheds new light on this political figure. From the late Senator's honest thoughts on Richard Nixon to his growing discomfort with the rise of the extreme right, Pure Goldwater offers a revelatory look at an American icon--and also reminds us of a more hopeful alternative to the dispiriting political landscape of today.

Preface * Introduction: Why Goldwater Matters Today * PART I - THE EARLY YEARS * Chapter One: The Boy Who Became the Man * Chapter Two: Journals and Opinions * Chapter Three: A Break from Business to Explore Arizona * Chapter Four: Military Life * Chapter Five: Political Beginnings * PART II - THE SENATE: 1952-1965 * Chapter Six: The First Senate Campaign * Chapter Seven: Learning How Washington Worked * Chapter Eight: Playing on the National Stage: 1959-1963 * PART III - AFTER THE 1964 PRESIDENTIAL RACE * Chapter Nine: Setting the Record Straight * Chapter Ten: Seeing the World and Spreading the Word * PART IV - ON NIXON & WATERGATE * Chapter Eleven: Recalling Nixon * Chapter Twelve: Nixon's Presidency: First Term * Chapter Thirteen: Nixon's Presidency: Second Term * Chapter Fourteen: Watergate * PART V - ON IMPORTANT ISSUES * Chapter Fifteen: American Foreign Policy * Chapter Sixteen: On Important Issues * Chapter Seventeen: Retirement Years * Chronology * Acknowledgments * Index