Whether you love him or hate him, no one can deny the impact Rush Limbaugh has had on modern American politics. With tens of millions of regular listeners, El Rushbo (as he’s known to admirers) is a man capable of getting the president of the United States to respond directly to his criticism. That’s power.

Which brings us to the recent expose of Limbaugh written by Zev Chafets and published by Sentinel HC (a division of the renowned Penguin Group). Rush Limbaugh: An Army of One is a continuation of the New York Times Magazine profile of the right’s most powerful voice on radio. (Many conservatives will flinch at the Times’ initial involvement, but they shouldn’t. The book is entirely fair.)

While the book isn’t an authorized biography, there’s no question that Chafets had — perhaps unprecedented — access to Limbaugh and those close to him. You’ll find interviews with close brother David Limbaugh, childhood friends, Limbaugh’s fiance, and even the big man himself. You’re not getting third-hand gossip in Chafets’ work.

You’ll discover little-known stories and facts, like how Limbaugh’s father got into a bar fight with supporters of FDR’s New Deal. (Conservatism has deep roots in the Limbaugh family.) Or how Limbaugh showed very little interest in politics when he was young and failed repeatedly before finding true success in the radio business.

Rush Limbaugh: An Army of One — available on Amazon now — is an absolute must-read for those with even a moderate interest in modern politics. Whether you love him or hate him, understanding Limbaugh’s history and mindset is quite helpful in understanding why he says and does what he says and does.

And no one can dispute that what Limbaugh says and does has an impact on the political world.