urveying political rhetoric and policy, popular literature, and scientific theo- America's supposedly class-free society--where liberty and hard work were meant to ensure real social mobility. She uncovers instead the crucial legacy of the ever-present poor white trash and the deeply entrenched class system that dates back to America's colonial roots, where a disposable white underclass was the price of doing business. We have long acknowledged racial injustice as an ugly stain on our nation's history. With Isenberg's landmark book, we will have to face the truth about the enduring, malevolent nature of class as well.