Jane Mayer Books

Why is America living in an age of profound and widening economic inequality? Why have even modest attempts to address climate change been defeated again and again? Why do hedge-fund billionaires pay a far lower tax rate than middle-class workers? In a riveting and indelible feat of reporting, Jane Mayer illuminates the history of an elite cadre of plutocrats--headed by the Kochs, the Scaifes, the Olins, and the Bradleys--who have bankrolled a systematic plan to fundamentally alter the American political system. Mayer traces a byzantine trail of billions of dollars spent by the network, revealing a staggering conglomeration of think tanks, academic institutions, media groups, courthouses, and government allies that have fallen under their sphere of influence. Drawing from hundreds of exclusive interviews, as well as extensive scrutiny of public records, private papers, and court proceedings, Mayer provides vivid portraits of the secretive figures behind the new American oligarchy and a searing look at the carefully concealed agendas steering the nation. Dark Money is an essential book for anyone who cares about the future of American democracy

In the aftermath of September 11th, the U.S. faced a state of panic, leading to radical decisions aimed at combating terrorism and enhancing national security. Key figures, including Vice President Dick Cheney and adviser David Addington, seized the crisis to push an agenda that expanded Presidential powers unprecedentedly and undermined Constitutional protections central to American democracy. This narrative reveals how the U.S. made grave errors in its pursuit of terrorists, violating the Constitution and hindering efforts against Al Qaeda. Acclaimed writer Jane Mayer details the harsh realities faced by U.S.-held prisoners, many of whom were innocent and subjected to treatment reminiscent of the Spanish Inquisition. The account examines specific cases within the broader context of Washington's actions, highlighting the intelligence gained—or lost—and the consequences of these choices. While some instances of torture yielded information, many resulted in false leads with devastating implications, such as the fabricated confession of Sheikh Ibn al-Libi, which falsely justified the war in Iraq. Ultimately, the short-term gains came at a significant moral cost, affecting the nation's global standing and self-identity. This period marks a deeply troubling chapter in American history, shaping the legacy of the George W. Bush presidency.

The Explosive Tale of the Unraveling of an American PresidentFor six years, Ronald Reagan seemed invincible. But behind the glowing image of success was an administration courting disaster. In this spellbinding book, two top Washington reporters trace the origins of the Iran-Contra affair and the unraveling of the Reagan presidency, taking us deep inside a white house that cared more for stagecraft than statecraft and that mistook a landslide reelection for an unlimited mandate.Here is the startling illumination of power and personality, an explosive tale of a president’s unmaking—and a landmark book about the current state of the American presidency.