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  • Prequel

  • An American Fight Against Fascism
  • By: Rachel Maddow
  • Narrated by: Rachel Maddow
  • Length: 13 hrs and 9 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (3 ratings)

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Prequel

By: Rachel Maddow
Narrated by: Rachel Maddow
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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

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
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

Critic Reviews

“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

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A history that cannot be ignored

Rachel Maddow's writing shows the same depth of research and understanding as she does on TV. Her ability to pull together the complex threads of an issue, past or present, and present it to her audience with clarity and balance is unmatched. One can only hope that every reader learns from history and heeds Maddow's warning of the future.

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  • Rex
  • 19-10-2023

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.

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22 people found this helpful

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  • Lorraine Petrosky
  • 19-10-2023

As good as Ultra was it did not have the time to fill in the historical holes… Prequel does that.

So much history has been hidden from us… as a 74 year old woman our education was so molded that we lost so much.. Rachel filled in those spots that were needed for us to understand and leaves us wondering how in the heck we survived.
Miss Rachel’s nightly show but with the quality projects undertaken it helps to ease the Rachel missing and melancholy.

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19 people found this helpful

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  • Carolyn Foster
  • 17-10-2023

OMG!!

This book is so interesting, well-read, and informative. Rachel is too awesome for words! She is a GREAT storyteller. You will love this book.

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12 people found this helpful

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  • shoesarei
  • 20-10-2023

Even better than the podcast!!!

Loved the enlarged and more detailed view of the pre-WWII American fascist movements and the unsung heroes who worked tirelessly to reveal their tentacles in the halls of Congress.
As always, Rachel Maddow is clear, distinct, and thorough in her reporting. This is not only history I was never taught in school but should have been but it is timely in its revelation of how close we have come to authoritarianism before as it’s threat looms before us today. Let’s hope it will not take another massive war to remind us of who we say we are and who we want to be.

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  • preciousstnmtn
  • 18-10-2023

NOW I KNOW!!

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

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  • Sabrina Neumann
  • 19-10-2023

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.

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6 people found this helpful

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  • darbymar
  • 20-10-2023

Rachel the educator

Rachel’s research into our nation’s history, relating to today’s political climate is fascinating. I learn so much from reading her books and listening to her podcasts. Rachel reading the book herself is a definite bonus.

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  • Jennifer cahill
  • 19-10-2023

Important

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

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  • bigbossbookreader
  • 20-10-2023

Couldn’t stop

I fully recognize my own partisan feelings and admit my opinions are shaped by these feelings. This book gives substance and reason for them. The fascist movement in America, by any name, hadn’t really changed. The same accusations, the same pontifications, the same rhetoric.
Brava, Rachel Maddow!

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  • Eric Rodriguez
  • 19-10-2023

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.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 12-11-2023

This should be required reading for all

Thank you for shining a light on a completely forgotten part of modern history. This book is equal parts terrifying and entertaining. The fact that the ultra right still uses the same phrases as talking points 80 years later should give us all pause.

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  • D R Thompson
  • 10-11-2023

Another Brilliant History

Thank you, Ms Maddow, for your continuing efforts to delve into awkward histories which would otherwise be ignored. A book which will repay further research and study.

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