Swain's commendable book raises fundamental questions...This is impressive work.
-- Lee A. Daniels Washington Post Book World
[Swain's] book offers a critical counterpoint to the traditional arguments of voting rights advocates.
-- Political Science Quarterly
An important analysis in an area of growing scholarly debate and political controversy.
-- American Politics Review
Black Faces, Black Interests is an interesting and timely examination of African-American representation in the United States Congress...This is a significant book that boldly broaches issues that have seriously divided the black community. Not only does it draw our attention to an overlooked topic in political science (the representational styles of African-American members of Congress), it also challenges the orthodox view that black political interests can best be represented by the creation of heavily packed, racial gerrymandered districts likely, if not certain, to elect minority MCs. Swain rejects this conclusion, arguing forcefully and optimistically not only that black interests can be represented well by white legislators, but also that black politicians can be elected from and serve well majority white districts.
-- L. Marvin Overby Public Choice