The United States of Paranoia bookcover

The United States of Paranoia

A Conspiracy Theory
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Description

Jesse Walker’s The United States of Paranoia presents a comprehensive history of conspiracy theories in American culture and politics, from the colonial era to the War on Terror.

The fear of intrigue and subversion doesn’t exist only on the fringes of society, but has always been part of our national identity. When such tales takes hold, Walker argues, they reflect the anxieties and experiences of the people who believe them, even if they say nothing true about the objects of the theories themselves.

With intensive research and a deadpan sense of humor, Jesse Walker’s The United States of Paranoia combines the rigor of real history with the punch of pulp fiction.

This edition includes primary-source documentation in the form of archival photographs, cartoons, and film stills selected by the author.

Product Details

PublisherHarper
Publish DateAugust 20, 2013
Pages448
LanguageEnglish
TypeBook iconHardback
EAN/UPC9780062135551
Dimensions9.0 X 6.0 X 1.4 inches | 21.2 pounds

About the Author

Jesse Walker is the books editor of Reason magazine and the author of Rebels on the Air: An Alternative History of Radio in America. He lives in Baltimore with his wife and their two daughters.

Reviews

“A superb analysis of American paranoia…terrific, measured, objective.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Prepare to be amazed.” — Jeet Heer, author of In Love with Art

“Free-floating fear and half-baked ideas about what’s really going on have been a more significant part of American history than is generally accepted, according to Jesse Walker’s thorough, meticulously researched book.” — Vice

“Oddly entertaining...Walker quickly demolishes [Richard Hofstadter’s “The Paranoid Style in American Politics]. It’s all too rare to come upon a writer willing to attack the sacred cows of the right and left with equal amounts of intelligence and flair.” — Los Angeles Times

“First there was A People’s History of the United States. Now there’s a paranoid’s history, with Jesse Walker revealing that normal, sensible citizens have been conspiracy nuts ever since our nation’s beginning.” — Debbie Nathan, author of Sybil Exposed

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