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

NOW I KNOW!!

Let us all open our eyes and heed the warnings. I can see it all happening again.

Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it!

Everything old is new again, including attempts to thwart democracy. Was an interesting subject matter for a podcast, and equally as interesting as a book. well worth the read.

Scary history but ends with hope

I find it really scary that some of my fellow countrymen in the past & some today have these hateful ideas. But I guess the good news is that so far democracy has kept them mostly in check over time. The problem is that they have hurt many people and still do.

fascinating bit of history, well told!

Rachel Maddow is a national treasure! Anyone who wants to better understand the current situation in American politics would benefit from this book.

Past history that is a current reminder

Great book of history on the importance of safeguarding our democracy. The heroes that were ordinary people that stood up to the people that wanted to destroy our government system.
Rachel did a great job in the writing of this history.

A very important book: a warning

Rachel Maddow is a gift to our democracy. Her thorough historical account should be required reading for anyone who fears a right wing takeover.

An important read.

This book is amazing, and an important reminder of where ultra-right-wing fascism leads. 10/10. No notes.

Riveting

Amazing story telling of truly brave Americans that stood up to fascism. The views of our government to bury these events, afraid of how we would look to the rest of the world is disheartening. Standing up for democracy should be our guide.

Wow

Thanks for your research and showing us what we did not know Hiw can history be so hidden from plain site. Great Book

Fun and informative

Rachel is an American treasure. The events sprang off the page and should be a must read for all history scholars.