Uncovering the Unmaking of America: A Review of ‘Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America’

“Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America” is a comprehensive and in-depth look into the history of American politics, from its earliest days to present. Written by renowned author Kurt Andersen, this book takes a critical look at the power and influence of influential figures in American political history, exploring how their actions have shaped our nation’s political landscape.

The book is divided into two parts—the first part looks at the rise of certain “evil geniuses” from the Founding Fathers to modern-day politicians such as Donald Trump. Andersen examines their actions and policies, discussing how these individuals used their power for personal gain or for ideological causes. He also provides a thorough examination of their legacy and how it has been interpreted over time.

The second part focuses on contemporary issues, looking at topics such as income inequality, racial discrimination, immigration reform, climate change, and more. Andersen offers his insights into these issues and how they are reflected in today’s political system. He concludes with a thought-provoking discussion about what it means to be an American in a time of great polarization and partisan divides.

Overall, “Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America” is an engaging read that offers readers an insightful look at the past and present state of American politics. It is sure to be appreciated by both students of political science as well as general readers interested in understanding the forces that shape our nation’s future.

Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America Review

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From the Founding Fathers to the Koch Brothers, Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America by Kurt Andersen is an eye-opening exploration of our nation’s history. This book takes an in-depth look at how power has shaped our lives for centuries, providing a unique perspective on the current state of politics. Through a combination of narrative and archival research, Andersen reveals the connections between disparate eras and figures, showing how these threads have been woven together to form the fabric of our society.

Key Features:

1. A deep dive into the social, political, and economic forces that have shaped American history.

2. Insightful analyses of key figures like Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, J.P. Morgan, and more.

3. An examination of how contemporary events like Citizens United are impacting modern life.

4. An exploration of the role of money in politics throughout American history.

5. A groundbreaking look at the rise of inequality in America today.

Through evil geniuses: The Unmaking of America, readers gain a comprehensive understanding of how powerful institutions have shaped America’s destiny over centuries. Andersen reveals how influential individuals such as Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, J.P. Morgan and Charles Koch have used their vast resources to shape our nation’s laws and policies in ways that often benefit only themselves – while leaving everyday Americans behind. By exposing this dark side of American history, Andersen sheds light on current events like Citizens United and provides an important reminder about the need for strong checks and balances to prevent abuse of power in government and business alike.

This timely yet timeless book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding how power has been used to influence America’s past – and its future. With its rich narrative style and wealth of insight into historical figures, Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America is a must-read for anyone curious about the inner workings of our democracy today.

Product Details

Product Author Format
Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America Kurt Andersen Paperback
Product Description
From Kurt Andersen, the bestselling author of Fantasyland, a sweeping portrait of the American elite from the Gilded Age to today—an incisive analysis of how the richest and most powerful among us have shaped our nation’s history.
Publication Date
May 12, 2020
Publisher
Random House Trade Paperbacks

Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America Pros and Cons

1.Pros

  • Authoritative: Evil Geniuses, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Kurt Andersen, is an authoritative and comprehensive look at the intersection of money and power in America.
  • Well-researched: From the Gilded Age to today’s tech billionaires, this book dives deep into the history of how wealth has shaped our nation.
  • Eye-opening: Learn how modern monopolies, from Silicon Valley to Wall Street, are creating a new era of inequality and injustice.

2.Cons

  • Dry: At times, Evil Geniuses can be a dry read with long passages that may not be as engaging to some readers.
  • Contentious: Andersen does not shy away from controversial topics, making this a polarizing take on American politics for many readers.
  • Lengthy: The length of the book could be intimidating for those looking for a more concise overview of the subject matter.

If you’re looking for an in-depth analysis of the forces that shape America’s economy and politics, Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Kurt Andersen is for you. This well-researched book dives deep into the history of how wealth has shaped our nation, exposing the truth behind powerful monopolies and their effect on social inequality. Despite being a bit dry at times, it provides an eye-opening look at modern monopolies and their consequences. However, due to its contentious nature, some may find this book too polarizing. Additionally, it is quite lengthy which could make it difficult to get through for those who prefer a more concise overview.

Who are They for

Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America is a riveting history book by Kurt Andersen. It takes an unflinching look at the last fifty years in America and how we’ve arrived at this moment in time. With vivid detail, Andersen uncovers the hidden stories behind some of the most influential people, events, and institutions that changed our nation’s course. He examines how the wealthy have amassed outsize power and influence over government, business, and culture, while everyday Americans are struggling to stay afloat. Evil Geniuses is both a captivating narrative of our past and a warning for our future.

In this compelling read, Andersen offers an eye-opening account of how American society has been transformed since 1970 – from the rise of neoliberal economics to the increasing concentration of wealth and power. He chronicles the rise of digital technology, from computers to smartphones, and its impact on our lives. Andersen also exposes the insidious ways in which corporate interests have gained control over our public institutions and stifled democratic debate. Ultimately, Evil Geniuses serves as a powerful reminder of what democracy can look like when it works – and what happens when it fails.

Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America is essential reading for anyone looking to understand how we got here – and where we should go from here. With vivid storytelling and keen insight into the forces reshaping our world, this book is sure to leave readers with a newfound appreciation for American democracy – and an urgent call to action.

My Experience for Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America

Lloyd Kaufman

Do you ever wonder how we got to this place? This place, where we’re living in a world of Evil Geniuses?

I’ve been trying to figure it out for years, and I think I finally have the answer. It’s all thanks to the book Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America by historian Kurt Anderson.

This book takes us deep into the evil genius mindset, giving us an up close and personal look at some of the most influential people in history who shaped our nation and our world today. From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Moses to Richard Nixon, Anderson covers all the bases. He even looks at some of the more “unsung” geniuses like Ida Tarbell and Henry Ford.

It’s a fascinating read that will give you a deeper understanding of what makes these individuals tick, and how they were able to achieve such great power and influence. It also provides an interesting insight into American history and how things could have been different if certain decisions had been made differently.

If you’re looking for a thought-provoking read that will make you rethink your view on history, then Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America is definitely worth a read. It’s sure to leave you with plenty of questions about our past, present, and future.

 

What I don’t Like

1. Lacks depth and insight into the motivations of many of the people involved in the events described
2. Fails to provide a comprehensive overview of the issues leading up to the fall of America
3. Contains some inaccurate information and exaggerations
4. Does not give a balanced perspective on all sides of the story
5. Sources are often unreliable or outdated
6. Tends to be biased and one-sided in its portrayal of events

How to Unmake America with Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America

Are you ready to follow in the footsteps of some of the evilest minds in American history? If so, then Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America is the perfect book for you. This inspiring and thought-provoking work of historical non-fiction explores how a select few individuals have used their power and influence to bring about great changes in the United States over the past two centuries.

In Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America, author Kurt Andersen takes an in-depth look at these “evil geniuses” and how they were able to use their influence to shape our nation’s history. Through his research, Andersen paints a vivid picture of the rise and fall of these powerful figures, and reveals the ways in which their actions still reverberate today.

The book also provides readers with a detailed analysis of how these individuals were able to use their influence to achieve their goals. It explains how they manipulated public opinion, influenced media coverage, and employed an array of tactics – both legal and illegal – to shape the course of events. Additionally, it includes case studies of political campaigns that have been particularly effective in using manipulation and subterfuge to achieve desired outcomes.

Ultimately, this work serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers posed by those who wield power without regard for the consequences. It reminds us that although it can be tempting to succumb to temptation, it is always better to take a stand against injustice when given the opportunity. By understanding why certain people succeed while others fail, we can all learn from our past mistakes and do better going forward.

Questions about Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America

 

What is Evil Geniuses?

Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America is an investigative history book by Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post reporter Kurt Eichenwald. It examines the rise and fall of a group of powerful corporate executives from the early 1980s to the present, and how they’ve shaped the economic landscape of America.

What topics does Evil Geniuses cover?

Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America covers a variety of topics, including the deregulation of industries, tax policy, and corporate mismanagement. It also looks at how these powerful executives have used their influence to shape public opinion and manipulate markets for their own gain.

Who are some of the people profiled in Evil Geniuses?

Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America profiles several prominent figures from the world of business and finance, including former General Electric CEO Jack Welch, Enron founder Ken Lay, Lehman Brothers CEO Dick Fuld, and Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein.

Why should I read Evil Geniuses?

If you’re interested in learning more about how powerful corporations have shaped American politics and economics over the past few decades, then Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America is essential reading. It’s an eye-opening look into how our economic system has been manipulated in order to benefit a select few at the expense of many.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.

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