Prequel

An American Fight Against Fascism

De: Rachel Maddow

Narrado por: Rachel Maddow

#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

Reseñas de la Crítica

"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

Deja vu

Disturbing how we appear not to have learned anything from history. Republicans are running the very same play book.

Thanks to Rachel Maddow!

In case people forget, the truth is out there if you look for it. Rachel is a national treasure.

No change

I learned how we (people as a whole) are just not that good- didn’t know a lot of the history, and find myself disappointed.

Most engaging history book I’ve read

This expansion of the story, and her first set of podcasts runs so parallel to a lot of what is going on now. This is an important book for everybody to read because it shows that we can defeat the hate agenda of the far right, the slide to autocracy and bigotry. It shows that you can tamp it down, but unless you keep an ion it, it’s going to come back like it has now. The book is well researched with primary sources and shares many of those with the reader so you can go find them yourself to further explore. I love her storytelling style because it keeps you engaged. It’s all tied together nicely at the end which I appreciate it. It’s like the end of Animal House where they tell you what happens to all the characters.
This book is so well written, so well read, and so interesting that even people who say they don’t enjoy reading about history, will find this worth their time.

Prequel

Brilliant and mesmerizing, especially given the current battle against fascism on the right, with its renewed and virulent antisemitism.

Must read

It is indeed a prequel to the threat posed by the fascist controlled right wing!

Another perfect example

Rachel Maddow has done it again. In her fashion, she demonstrates knowledge of the information and mastery of presentation. Thank you for this horrifying history that we should be reminded of frequently.

Important read in our turbulent time.

This book is extremely well written, and points out challenges of today that were mirrored in the past. These are stories that are important for every American to know and understand.

love it

love it!
its a great expose of Bazi operation s whithing the us...incredible, a must read

A must read today!

A clear and insightful look into the rise of hate and lies corrupting democracy led by some of the most powerful men in our country back in the early 1900’s. The use of big lies to corrupt and confuse citizens and used to build a force to take down democracy is afoot today— sharpened by social media, and wielded by maga republicans who have successfully paralyzed the House just as a war to kill all Jews wages in the Middle East and ripples through our nation. This needs to stop. This book needs to be read.