I'll have to admit that I'm a card carrying member of a few libraries and that I've been known to read a book or two on occasion.
Also, I've done more than my share of field research.:o) Now my research indicates that all American politics are populist in nature.
The only politics that are not populist are sectarian in nature.
If you want to read a good book, pick up Plunkitt of Tammany Hall. Available at fine used bookstores everywhere for a dollar or two.
TL