Prequel

An American Fight Against Fascism

By: Rachel Maddow

Narrated by: Rachel Maddow

Length: 13 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Rachel Maddow traces the fight to preserve American democracy back to World War II, when a handful of committed public servants and brave private citizens thwarted far-right plotters trying to steer our nation toward an alliance with the Nazis.

“A ripping read—well rendered, fast-paced and delivered with the same punch and assurance that she brings to a broadcast. . . . The parallels to the present day are strong, even startling.”—The New York Times (Editors’ Choice)

Inspired by her research for the hit podcast Ultra, Rachel Maddow charts the rise of a wild American strain of authoritarianism that has been alive on the far-right edge of our politics for the better part of a century. Before and even after our troops had begun fighting abroad in World War II, a clandestine network flooded the country with disinformation aimed at sapping the strength of the U.S. war effort and persuading Americans that our natural alliance was with the Axis, not against it. It was a sophisticated and shockingly well-funded campaign to undermine democratic institutions, promote antisemitism, and destroy citizens’ confidence in their elected leaders, with the ultimate goal of overthrowing the U.S. government and installing authoritarian rule.

That effort worked—tongue and groove—alongside an ultra-right paramilitary movement that stockpiled bombs and weapons and trained for mass murder and violent insurrection.

At the same time, a handful of extraordinary activists and journalists were tracking the scheme, exposing it even as it was unfolding. In 1941 the U.S. Department of Justice finally made a frontal attack, identifying the key plotters, finding their backers, and prosecuting dozens in federal court.

None of it went as planned.

While the scheme has been remembered in history—if at all—as the work of fringe players, in reality it involved a large number of some of the country’s most influential elected officials. Their interference in law enforcement efforts against the plot is a dark story of the rule of law bending and then breaking under the weight of political intimidation.

That failure of the legal system had consequences. The tentacles of that unslain beast have reached forward into our history for decades. But the heroic efforts of the activists, journalists, prosecutors, and regular citizens who sought to expose the insurrectionists also make for a deeply resonant, deeply relevant tale in our own disquieting times.

©2023 Rachel Maddow (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"TV host and political commentator Rachel Maddow shines at framing the backstory of current American politics in her latest audiobook, narrated in her signature forthright style.... As Maddow employs her customary earnest tone and unhurried cadence, her wry storytelling ability is on full display. The result is a terrifyingly familiar look at America's earlier, and continuing, dance with fascism." (AudioFile)

“Maddow’s sublime research into the precursors of current existential threats is astonishingly deep. She finds rabbit holes even rabbits are unaware of.” —Booklist, starred review

“America beat fascism once. Maddow’s timely study of enemies on the homefront urges that we can do so again.” —Kirkus, starred reviews

“Maddow’s book is a ripping read—well rendered, fast-paced and delivered with the same punch and assurance that she brings to a broadcast. . . . Prequel is a valuable window into the authoritarian mind-set—and the process by which self-professed patriots turn against democracy . . . the parallels to the present day are strong, even startling . . .” —The New York Times

The fight to keep democracy alive

Rachel Maddow has morphed from one of the greatest journalists of our times to the most important historian of our times. Some of the research for "Prequel" has already been revealed in Rachel's podcasts, "Ultra." Her new book delves deeper into the Fascist and Nazi past of the U.S. and exposes in detail members of Congress and powerful public figures and industrialists who fought for Fascism with exhilaration. If you believe in American democracy, it is a must read. If you are a Jewish American, it is even more important that you read "Prequel." The rise of antisemitism is overwhelming and has Jews in America and around the world living in fear. "Prequel" spells out exactly why you should be in fear. "Prequel" serves as a warning bell as Fascism, expressed through right-wing ideology and some in the Republican party, is on the rise. I listened to "Prequel" on Audible. It is narrated by Rachel, whose voice comforts me and always has. It was the best 13 hours I have spent in months. "Prequel" is for those who want to learn the unspoken -- and mostly hidden -- history of America during the growth of Fascism around the world. "Prequel" is worthy of a Pulitzer.

Important

Excellent record of a historical period in America that still touches us today. So important for every American to learn this history.

Read This Book - Your Civic Duty

Such a timely and important story for anyone who values democracy! Well researched and well presented (not that anyone would expect differently from Maddow), I am recommending this to all my fellow literate Americans.

The enormous prevalence of racism and antisemitism

Fact based and critical information. Rachel explains things so very well! And she always makes it interesting!

Priceless Perpective

Forgotten history, both disconcerting and hopeful. The value of looking into the past to better understand the present has rarely been so clearly demonstrated.

Prequel Weaves a Tapestry to Inform

To combine the research of key historical activity with the storytelling prowess is a gift to those who are lucky enough to encounter the experience!

Rachel Maddow has quite the talent for weaving rarely-known facts into the most fascinating storylines, developing a tapestry in the process that not only informs the reader/listener of past events, but also reveals observations in today's time that are worthy of attention.

Kudos to Rachel and the team! They have a gift, and a rare one. Prequel is a study that can and should be revisited over time.

Rachel delivers again

The comparisons to today are stark. Democracy won last time, barely. Individual citizens made the difference. Rather harrowing to consider, but there is room for hope.

History we need to learn from

This book is even better than the podcast. Exceptional history tied to the current era. Inspirational ordinary people who were history makers and candid clarity amongst those who ran earlier versions of anti semitic and racism movements.

Prequel

Rachel Maddow is a great historian. I have read all her books, I am impressed with her research and I find these books uncomfortably enlightening. I hope that I can learn from this book that the worst parts of ourselves are far too prevalent in today’s society and I need to learn to share this message to protect us from our worst selves. Thank you Rachel as usual, you wrote a winner! I recommend this to all my friends like me, they need this lesson.

Rachel never disappoints

I believe Rachel Maddow is a much needed voice shouting into the darkness that is trying to overtake our democracy.