Dark Money
The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right
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4.2 • 213 Ratings
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- $14.99
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
NATIONAL BESTSELLER
ONE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES 10 BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR
Who are the immensely wealthy right-wing ideologues shaping the fate of America today? From the bestselling author of The Dark Side, an electrifying work of investigative journalism that uncovers the agenda of this powerful group.
In her new preface, Jane Mayer discusses the results of the most recent election and Donald Trump's victory, and how, despite much discussion to the contrary, this was a huge victory for the billionaires who have been pouring money in the American political system.
Why is America living in an age of profound and widening economic inequality? Why have even modest attempts to address climate change been defeated again and again? Why do hedge-fund billionaires pay a far lower tax rate than middle-class workers? In a riveting and indelible feat of reporting, Jane Mayer illuminates the history of an elite cadre of plutocrats—headed by the Kochs, the Scaifes, the Olins, and the Bradleys—who have bankrolled a systematic plan to fundamentally alter the American political system. Mayer traces a byzantine trail of billions of dollars spent by the network, revealing a staggering conglomeration of think tanks, academic institutions, media groups, courthouses, and government allies that have fallen under their sphere of influence. Drawing from hundreds of exclusive interviews, as well as extensive scrutiny of public records, private papers, and court proceedings, Mayer provides vivid portraits of the secretive figures behind the new American oligarchy and a searing look at the carefully concealed agendas steering the nation. Dark Money is an essential book for anyone who cares about the future of American democracy.
National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist
LA Times Book Prize Finalist
PEN/Jean Stein Book Award Finalist
Shortlisted for the Lukas Prize
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
An iBooks Best of 2016 pick. Journalist Jane Mayer’s book is a remarkable feat: a scintillating family drama and dystopian political saga that happens to be completely true. Dark Money is the jaw-dropping story of the Koch family’s seven decades of political influence and the network of moneyed, right-wing ideologues who use their fortunes and corporate profits to buy the government that suits their needs. Meticulously researched and superbly written, this book is essential reading for anyone who lives in—or hopes to fully understand—today’s United States.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This sprawling narrative from New Yorker staff writer Mayer traces the origins of a well-funded libertarian brand of conservatism led by billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch and their network of deep-pocketed, like-minded allies. Voice actress Potter resists the temptation to present the provocative portions of Mayer's extensive research with broad-brush caricatures. Rather, she lets Mayer's complex historical and biographical story threads take shape gradually, allowing actual character development. The Koch brothers come alive, complete with their many eccentricities and rivalries. Other figures who thanks to the compelling blend of Mayer's prose and Potter's narration leave an especially memorable imprint include Art Pope, a North Carolina discount store magnate; and Richard Mellon Scaife, the late heir to banking and oil fortunes. Granted, the quotations from Pope whose hundreds of stores are staffed by, and patronized by, low-wage workers about poverty being mostly a matter of individual choice will inflame progressive readers, but Mayer and Potter work to develop a broader perspective beyond easy sound bites. A Doubleday hardcover.
Customer Reviews
All the Power That Money Can Buy
This is an excellent book that tells the story of how the Koch brothers and their cohorts have figured out how to have their way with politics. It scares me to think that "the will of the people" can be usurped by a few people with lots of money. I have to hand it to Ms. Mayer fir doing an excellent job of telling the behind the scenes story of how this happened.
Everyone needs to read this
The Illuminati Realized.Do not listen to the "conspiracy theories" and bad reviews below. The Koch brothers are known for their political influence. Do your own research.
A must read for all Americans
Don’t let America become a Feudal fiefdom. “Democracy” means rule by the people, not by the billionaires.