Reddit reviews The Rise of Southern Republicans

Earle and Merle Black wrote a pretty great account of this called The Rise of Southern Republicans that explains the shift from the solid Democratic South to one dominated by the Republican party.

It has been some time since I have read this book but if I remember correctly it had to do with a few things:

1. The realization that winning the entire South plus a few other key conservative states (Ohio, Florida - which for terms of political academic study is generally NOT considered the South) meant you could carry a presidential election without winning a single other state.
   
   
2. Ronald Reagan's appeal coupled with the general discontent with their Democratic representatives also helped spur a change in political party alignment.
   
   Like I said it has been some time since I have read this book but if you are really interested in a well articulated answer to that question, this book has a some nice insights.

The southern strategy is over 150 years old and is such a fascinating and defining aspect of American politics. It's a must know of sorts for anyone that wants to talk about electorates. I don't look down on anyone who doesn't know much about it, but i suggest they learn.

Here is a really dope read on southern politics and here is an OK read somewhat debunking it.

Here is the desktop version of your link

http://www.amazon.com/Politics-Society-South-Earl-Black/dp/0674689593

http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Southern-Republicans-Earl-Black/dp/067400728X

http://books.google.com/books/about/The_new_politics_of_the_old_South.html?id=6NHd4-UnvU0C

I'll try and find the page numbers when I get home.