Every Tarheel, or any non-Tarheel who has an interest in one of the most important political figures in the South, Terry Sanford, should read this book. Senator in the NC General Assembly, Governor, President of Duke University, and US Senator, this book covers it all. It provides an interesting look at Southern politics, and how our past still effects us to this day. There should be a "Six Degrees of Terry Sanford" game, as he can be linked to practically anybody in the field of NC or National politics. Kerr Scott, Lauch Faircloth, Bill Clinton, John Edwards, The George Bushes, Al Gore, Jesse Helms, Jesse Jackson, Richard Nixon, Elizabeth Dole & Erskine Bowles (both front runners from their respective parties in the 2002 Senate race) and the list goes on. Terry Sanford witnessed great movements in history. The race issue in the South, a political atmospheric change, the wheeling and dealing of politicians. Throughout he kept his values and goals, which helped him become a symbol of Progressive policies, and helped place Duke University into national prominence. This should be required reading!

Anyone who lives in North Carolina will learn much about the state's recent political history in this book. And anyone who is interested in progressive politics should read it too. Terry Sanford's forward-thinking approach to government is an inspiration, particularly in the areas of race and education.

Former North Carolina Governor and United States Senator Terry Sanford is one of this century's outstanding political leaders. While serving as Governor in the early sixties, Sanford became known nationwide for his commitment to improving education in North Carolina.

Covington and Ellis' biography of Sanford offers a great deal of insight into Sanford's formative years and his political career. The authors researched their subject thoroughly, and the reader gains a great deal of insight into North Carolina politics and into the historical forces shaping the country.

Many of Sanford's colleagues, family, and friends were interviewed for this book, and their stories and perspectives add depth to this book. Many of the characters in the book are still active in North Carolina politics, including "Jimmy Hunt" (as he is referred to in the book) who now serves as Governor of North Carolina.

People who still believe that our government can be a force for good, and that a political life can be synonomous with a life of public service, will be inspired by this book and by the life of this outstanding public servant.

Triumph of Goodwill is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand the pivotal 1960 gubernatorial race in North Carolina and the ramifications of that election throughout the South and the rest of the nation. Told in great detail, here is the story of how racial moderate Terry Sanford won the Democratic nomination for governor against a patron of segregation Beverly Lake. The book also details Sanford's controversial decision to become the first Southern politician to endores John Kennedy for the presidency, a decison that was filled with potential peril for Sanford, but one that paid off handsomely for the eventual governor of North Carolina. Mixed into this work are behind the scenes stories of the 1960 campaign in North Carolina that give the reader a peek into how elections used to be conducted and also the beginnings of how they have become to be run in our present day. TV played a large part in the national election in 1960, but television also played an important role in the North Carolina governor's race that year, including what is thought to be the first-time live television broadcast of a candidate's political rallys. Triumph of Good Will is an excellent work, highly readable and highly recommended!