Nixonland

The Rise of a President and the Fracturing of America

By: Rick Perlstein

Narrated by: Stephen R. Thorne

From one of America's most talented historians and winner of a LA Times Book Prize comes a brilliant new account of Richard Nixon that reveals the riveting backstory to the red state/blue state resentments that divide our nation today.

Told with urgency and sharp political insight, Nixonland recaptures America's turbulent 1960s and early 1970s and reveals how Richard Nixon rose from the political grave to seize and hold the presidency.

©2008 Rick Perlstein. All rights reserved. (P)2009 BBC Audio

Critic reviews

"A richly detailed descent into the inferno - that is, the years when Richard Milhous Nixon, 'a serial collector of resentments,' ruled the land." ( Kirkus Reviews)

Illuminating

Just when I thought I knew everything there was to dislike about Nixon, along comes this book. Intriguing insights about the roots of the current political divide. Leftish point of view, but honest about the left's dropping the ball when the field seemed wide open after 1964. I found the book exceptionally well read, though, as others have commented, the mispronunciation of familiar names almost made me jump out of my shoes.

Don't let narration miscues put you off this book!

Absent the previously detailed pronunciation errors, this would have been a 5-star review from me. I found it to be an enjoyable and educational account and recommend this audio book to others Audible listeners.

This is a wonderful book in terms of historical context, lively pace and detailed, if often troubling, insights into political intrigue, social conditions and the horrific costs of war and racial prejudice. I agree with many other reviewers and ask that the listener draw clear distinctions between the quality of Mr. Perlstein's painstaking work and more than a few mispronunciations by the otherwise competent narrator, which, while not forgivable, can (and I submit, should) be set aside.

The narrator, Mr. Thorne, is an excellent speaker, easy to listen to with a nice, rolling yet unhurried pace, generally excellent inflection and the ability to bring the appropriate tone to both situations and characters, without the need to engage in excessive dramatization, (i.e. no major changes of voice). Undercutting an otherwise solid performance are the glaring mispronunciations including the names of people, places and things, all of notable historical significance else Mr. Perlstein would not have included them in the manuscript. Proper pronunciation being so basic to the production of high quality audio books and, with historical documentaries demanding a particularly high level of attention to detail, I am given to wonder if anyone deigned give more than a cursory listen prior to distribution.

I only partially fault narrator, Thorne. As a spoken word professional, pronunciation homework is clearly in order prior to such a major undertaking. Still, quality control is the responsibility of the audio producer. Shame on said producer for failing to bring Rick Perlstein's outstanding work to its full audio potential. This is, nevertheless, a worthy, compelling and engrossing documentary of the period.

Exhaustive, Detailed, Entertaining

I grew up after the Nixon years, and so only know what I know about him from popular movies and TV. The book didn't paint too much of a different picture, but did fill in a lot of detail and complexity of the man and the times. The writing is engaging and not at all boring. I think I learned more about the times than the man.

Now More Than Ever

This book tells the story of an America throttled by racial divide, foreign war, rising partisan tensions, and the right-wing demagogue that was able to exploit these crisises for their own personal ambitions. Now more than ever this seems to be the most relevant piece of work that can explain to anyone still trying to wrap their head around how we came to this point in politics - because we've been here before.

Devastating

Comprehensive...depressing and thorough. just an amazing researched book. this is a classic that will be read for years.

Nixon really was the one - a solid read

I came of age during the historical period this book covers and I keep coming back to it over and over and keep finding things of interest. Worth a listen, I think. The narrator does a good job too. No problems there.

Great book, terrible narrator

A brilliant exposition of a very troubled time in America, with uncanny parallels to the 2016 election. Unfortunately the narrator mispronounced so many names and other words that I lost count. Where was the editor?

Love it

It was one of the best book about Richard Nixon. It only comes second to Roger Stone's book Nixon Secrets.

Somewhat cynical review American life and values

If you could sum up Nixonland in three words, what would they be?

organized, quick-paced, biased

Would you be willing to try another book from Rick Perlstein? Why or why not?

Yes, on certain topics, but I would be better prepared for the cynical point of view.

Which character – as performed by Stephen R. Thorne – was your favorite?

This book is written strictly from a narrator's point of view. Mr. Thorne does a good job narrating, and sometimes succeeds in portraying actual voices where relevant. Good listen.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Tricky Dick, how social conditions allowed an abominable personality to climb to the pinnacle of American politics, then hurtle to the bottom.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this book to anyone under the age of 55. Since I lived through that period, and in California to boot, it was pretty much like a rerun. Mr. Perlstein gives fast pace, albeit, cynical coverage to everything from Communist scares, to race riots, to Watergate. The presentation is pretty negative and doesn't dwell on the few good things that did happen during the mid-20th century.

Important and Precise

So much of my life was impacted by Nixon this felt like a personal history and I am actually mentioned on page 514 as subject of an article by Garry Wills. I loved this book before I ran across that reference listening as I rode my bicycle. I put many miles on the bike since I did not want to stop the narrative. Such a turbulent fractious time clearly explained in rich detail. Such a definitive history of the Nixon years and Nixonland - a perfect title. If you had any interest in politics and now find yourself at 63 or 64 you know this history and this book brings it all back while filling in all the gaps. It is so good the minor mispronunciations are trivial and easily dismissed.
I used to ask my parents how they could have put up with McCarthy and the House UnAmerican Activities Committee - I expect my kids to ask me how we could have ever allowed Nixon to be President. That makes this book a great mystery.