Prequel

Journalist Rachel Maddow's runaway #1 bestseller, with over 400,000 copies sold, is now available in the UK ahead of the 2024 US election. Prequel is a riveting and deeply researched account that delves into one of the most startling and largely forgotten conspiracies in American history: the fascist plot to overthrow the United States government during the Second World War.

As Adolf Hitler's ascendancy made a Second World War inevitable, a clandestine network sought to exploit the frailties of American democracy. They flooded the United States with disinformation, aiming to sap the nation's war effort and persuade Americans that their natural alliance lay with the Axis powers. This sophisticated and shockingly well-funded campaign was designed to undermine democratic institutions, promote antisemitism, and destroy the citizens' confidence in their elected leaders. The ultimate goal was nothing short of overthrowing the US government to install an authoritarian regime.

Some of the nation's most influential figures, including senators and members of Congress, were complicit, openly disseminating Nazi propaganda. Meanwhile, fascist paramilitary groups stockpiled bombs and weapons in preparation for a violent insurrection. This insidious plan posed a dire threat to the very fabric of American society.

Prequel unearths the forgotten narratives of these insurrectionists and illuminates the heroic efforts of journalists, prosecutors, and ordinary citizens who worked tirelessly to expose the conspiracy and bring the plotters to justice. Through meticulous research and gripping storytelling, Rachel Maddow reveals the depth and breadth of this hidden crisis, drawing poignant parallels to contemporary issues facing modern democracies.

This book is not just a historical account but a deeply relevant tale for our own disquieting times. By reflecting on the past, Prequel offers a powerful reminder of the vigilance required to preserve democratic institutions and the enduring strength of collective action in the face of authoritarian threats.