Dark Money

by Jane Mayer
Dark Money cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Investigative Journalism
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Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 3885
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780735210332
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2016-01-19
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Dark Money delves into the shadowy world of wealthy libertarians who have systematically influenced the American political system. Through extensive research and interviews, Jane Mayer exposes how figures like the Koch brothers have funded a vast network of organizations to promote their extreme libertarian views, often at the expense of the public good. Their efforts have led to significant changes in policies related to taxes, regulation, and environmental protection, despite these views being rejected by most Americans. Mayer's investigation reveals the intricate web of connections and strategies employed by this network, including the use of tax-deductible 'philanthropy' to fund political activities. The book provides vivid portraits of the key players and traces the billions of dollars spent to shape the political landscape. It's a compelling narrative that highlights the threats to democracy and the need for transparency in political funding.

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 ...

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.

theguardian.com · Unknown · 2016-01-17
engaging 4.50

The book is a well-researched and compelling exploration of the Koch brothers' influence on American politics and their ties to Nazi oil. It provides a detailed account of their right-wing revolution and the impact of dark money on the political landscape. The narrative is engaging and thought-provoking, offering a critical perspective on the role of wealth in shaping political outcomes.

Dark Money by Jane Mayer is a meticulously researched and engaging exploration of the Koch brothers' influence on American politics. The book delves into the intricate web of dark money that has fueled the right-wing revolution in the United States. Mayer provides a detailed account of how the Koch brothers, through their vast wealth and strategic political maneuvering, have shaped the political landscape in ways that many are unaware of. The narrative is compelling and thought-provoking, offering a critical perspective on the role of wealth in shaping political outcomes. The book also sheds light on the historical ties between the Koch brothers and Nazi oil, adding a layer of complexity to their political agenda. Overall, Dark Money is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the hidden forces that drive American politics.

Quick quotes

    The Koch brothers have become a symbol of the power of dark money in politics.

    Mayer's book is a wake-up call for anyone who cares about the future of American democracy.

    The narrative is both engaging and disturbing, revealing the extent to which wealth can influence political outcomes.

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