How an elite cabal rewrote the American dream for their gain - and left the rest of the world behind. 'Elegantly written, full of insight' - Justin Webb 'Absorbing, infuriating, full-of-facts-you-didn't-know, saxophonely written' - Anand Giridharadas 'Kurt Andersen at his riveting best' - Matthew D'Ancona Evil Geniuses is the secret history of how, over the last half century, America has sharply swerved away from its dream of progress for the many to a system of unfettered profit and self-interest for the few. As the social liberation of the 1960s finally ended in the chaos of Vietnam and Watergate, a faction of rich industrialists, business chiefs, wide-eyed libertarians and right-wing economic radicals were waiting, determined to claw back everything they saw as rightfully theirs. Reaching back into the dangerous powers of nostalgia, they emulated the unchecked robber barons of the past - veiling their actions as a return to the good old days, and winning over the people in the name of traditional American values. In this hugely entertaining and deeply researched cultural and economic exposé, New York Times bestselling author Kurt Andersen maps the rich history of intricate networks, unlikely connections and dark truths which are controlling a nation, revealing how on earth America got to where it is now - and what it might do to win its progressive future back.
Kurt Andersen Book order (chronological)
Kurt Andersen's writing delves into the complexities of American culture and society, exploring themes of identity, reality, and societal shifts with sharp insight and ironic humor. Through his novels and non-fiction, he examines how individual narratives intersect with broader historical and cultural currents. Andersen's distinctive style, marked by incisive social commentary and imaginative storytelling, makes his work a compelling read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the contemporary world.






That do-your-own-thing freedom - run amok since the individualism and relativism of the 1960s and later the unprecedented free-for-all world of the Internet, is the driving credo of America's current transformation where the difference between opinion and fact is rapidly crumbling.
Fantasyland : How America went haywire
- 480 pages
- 17 hours of reading
Stories
- 428 pages
- 15 hours of reading
"The joy of fiction is the joy of the imagination. . . ." The best stories engage readers, compelling them to turn pages in anticipation of what comes next. Great literature is defined by its imagination, as demonstrated in this exceptional anthology, which redefines the boundaries of imaginative fiction. It features contributions from renowned writers like Peter Straub, Chuck Palahniuk, Roddy Doyle, and Joyce Carol Oates, among others, showcasing their craft and challenging misconceptions about genres. Curated by Neil Gaiman and Al Sarrantonio, who personally selected each story, the anthology sets a high standard for this "new literature of the imagination." The collection aims to present familiar themes in fresh, illuminating ways. Notable tales include Joe Hill's disturbing exploration of evil in "Devil on the Staircase," Lawrence Block's unique take on fishing in "Catch and Release," and Carolyn Parkhurst's dark sibling rivalry in "Unwell." Joanne Harris introduces ancient gods in modern New York in "Wildfire in Manhattan," while Richard Adams's "The Knife" delves into vengeance. Jeffery Deaver's "The Therapist" features a psychologist on a mission to save lives, and Neil Gaiman's chilling "The Truth Is a Cave in the Black Mountains" offers a haunting punishment for a grave crime. This visionary volume will transform readers’ perspectives and ignite a renewed appreciation for exceptional fiction.
Englishman Benjamin Knowles heads for America to build a new life and joins up with three young Americans--journalist Timothy Skaggs, war veteran Duff Lucking, and Duff's actress sister, Polly--to seek their fortunes in the gold fields of California.
Turn of the Century. Tollhaus der Möglichkeiten, engl. Ausgabe
- 736 pages
- 26 hours of reading
Kurt Andersen's Millennium novel mirrors Tom Wolfe's "Bonfire of the Vanities," depicting a year in the life of a New York family while offering a satirical glimpse into America's potential future, focusing on media and big business.
Tollhaus der Möglichkeiten
- 734 pages
- 26 hours of reading
