Dark Money

by Jane Mayer
Dark Money cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Investigative Journalism
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Waterstones
Paperback • £14.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 3885
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9781925228847
  • Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
  • Published: 2016-06-09
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Dark Money delves into the shadowy world of political influence, revealing how a group of ultra-wealthy individuals, led by the Koch brothers, have spent vast sums to reshape the American political landscape. This meticulously researched book exposes the strategies and tactics used to promote their libertarian agenda, often at the expense of the environment and workers' rights. Jane Mayer's powerful narrative sheds light on the profound economic inequality in the US and the erosion of democratic principles. It's a compelling account of how dark money has hijacked American democracy, making it essential reading for anyone concerned about the future of politics and governance.

Reviews
bookmarks.reviews · Unknown · 2025-10-21
great 4.50

The book is a funny and fast-moving story full of slightly strange and far-fetched ideas where anything is possible and fantasy merges into reality. Children will love the stylised and vibrant illustrations by Tony Ross, which complement the text perfectly.

The book is a funny and fast-moving story full of slightly strange and far-fetched ideas where anything is possible and fantasy merges into reality. The text and the pictures are a perfect complement to each other with Tony Ross’s illustrations adding another level to David Walliams mad-cap ideas. Children will adore the stylised and vibrant illustrations by Tony Ross. While simple in appearance, it is obvious a lot of thought has been put into both the cartoon-style characters and their positioning, particularly where the text is separated out across the page in order to accompany the small humorous pictures. This has the potential to be confusing if done badly but in this case the layout is perfect. It will also allow children who can’t yet read to re-tell the story by using the pictures as a visual aid.

Quick quotes

    A funny and fast-moving story full of slightly strange and far-fetched ideas where anything is possible and fantasy merges into reality.

    Funny and fast-moving, kids will love it.

    Children will also adore the stylised and vibrant illustrations by Tony Ross.

LSE Review of Books · 2017-03-20
compelling 4.50

The book is praised for its thorough research and compelling account of the financial influence on US democracy. It unveils hidden power dynamics and provides a vivid portrayal of key figures.

This review highlights the book's meticulous research and its ability to expose the hidden influence of billionaires on US politics. The reviewer appreciates the vivid portraits of key figures and the compelling narrative that traces the financial takeover of democracy. They also note the book's relevance in understanding contemporary political dynamics.

Quick quotes

    This is a thorough, meticulously researched and compelling account of the financial takeover of US democracy that unveils the otherwise hidden influence of the ...

    She traces the byzantine trail of the billions of dollars spent by the network and provides vivid portraits of the ...

    It is a valuable contribution that addresses the history of campaign finance law, the constitutional issues involved in ...

Dissent Magazine · 2016-02-03
comprehensive 4.75

The book offers a comprehensive look at the right-wing billionaires who have weaponized conservative philanthropy to pull the Republican Party to the right. The narrative is detailed and well-researched, providing a deep dive into the political strategies employed.

This review focuses on the book's comprehensive examination of the right-wing billionaires who have successfully weaponized conservative philanthropy to shift the Republican Party towards a more radical agenda. The author's detailed and well-researched narrative provides a deep dive into the political strategies employed by these billionaires, offering a nuanced understanding of their influence. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the analysis and the clarity with which the complex political maneuvers are explained. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of wealth and politics.

Quick quotes

    The book offers a comprehensive look at the right-wing billionaires who have weaponized conservative philanthropy to pull the Republican Party to the right.

    The narrative is detailed and well-researched, providing a deep dive into the political strategies employed.

    The author's detailed and well-researched narrative provides a deep dive into the political strategies employed by these billionaires.

Reddit - Recommended Books · 2016-01-19
enlightening 3.50

The book is described as depressing but enlightening, highlighting the influence of wealthy individuals on political dialogue. It is praised for its well-written narrative and the help it provides in understanding complex issues.

This Reddit review describes the book as depressing but necessary, shedding light on how wealthy individuals have taken over political dialogue. The reviewer appreciates the well-written narrative and the help it provides in understanding the complex issues surrounding political influence. They also note the book's relevance in contemporary discussions about economic inequality and political power.

Quick quotes

    This book is depressing as hell and looks at how the Koch brothers and other wealthy individuals have completely taken over the political dialogue.

    It is a must-read that is well written and very enlightening, with one customer noting it provides considerable help in understanding ...

    It is a persuasive, timely and necessary story of the Koch brothers' empire.

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