Seymour M. Hersh
Seymour Myron Hersh is an American investigative journalist and political writer. He is known for his work in uncovering significant stories such as the My Lai Massacre and the Abu Ghraib scandal.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Price of Power
Kissinger in the Nixon White House
"The Price of Power" offers a critical examination of the presidency of Richard Nixon with a particular focus on the Vietnam War. The book delves into the secretive and often manipulative tactics employed by Nixon and his administration, including the undermining of peace talks to secure his own political victory. It presents a detailed and disturbing account of political maneuvering, deception and abuse of power at the highest level of American politics.
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2. The Dark Side Of Camelot
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The book provides a critical examination of the Kennedy administration, delving into the hidden and often controversial aspects of John F. Kennedy's presidency. It explores the dichotomy between the public image of the Kennedy era, often idealized as "Camelot," and the private realities, including political machinations, personal indiscretions, and connections with organized crime. Through investigative journalism, the book reveals how these elements influenced both domestic and international policies, challenging the mythologized narrative of Kennedy's leadership and legacy.
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3. Don't Suck, Don't Die
This poignant memoir offers an intimate glimpse into the life and music of the enigmatic singer-songwriter, Vic Chesnutt. Through a series of heartfelt reflections, the author delves into the profound impact Chesnutt had on those around him, exploring themes of creativity, vulnerability, and the struggles of living with a disability. With a blend of humor and raw honesty, the narrative paints a vivid portrait of a man whose talent and spirit left an indelible mark on the world, even as he grappled with personal demons and the complexities of human connection.
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4. Rat Girl
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5. Politics Is For Power
In this insightful exploration of political engagement, the author challenges the common perception of politics as a mere spectator sport, urging readers to transition from passive consumption of political news to active participation in the democratic process. Through a series of compelling narratives and case studies, the book illustrates how ordinary citizens can wield significant influence by organizing, advocating, and mobilizing within their communities. It serves as a clarion call for individuals to reclaim their political power, emphasizing the importance of grassroots activism and the impact of collective action in shaping the future of democracy.
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6. What Is Mathematics, Really?
Proposes a humanist view of mathematics as a social, cultural activity created and validated by communities rather than a discovery of timeless, otherworldly truths. Critiquing Platonism and strict formalism, it argues that proofs gain authority through professional consensus, history, and practice, and that mathematical ideas evolve alongside human needs. The discussion blends philosophy, history, and classroom experience to show how intuition, rigor, and application interact in a fallible but powerfully useful enterprise.
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7. Chain Of Command
The Road from 9/11 to Abu Ghraib
A detailed investigative account that traces how decisions after 9/11 — from flawed intelligence and policy choices to the development of harsh interrogation practices — produced the Iraq war debacle and the abuses at Abu Ghraib; the book argues that failures were not isolated but flowed from top-level decisions, institutional pressure to produce evidence of weapons, secret legal and operational arrangements between the Pentagon and intelligence agencies, and a culture of secrecy and obfuscation that enabled cover-ups and shifted blame onto lower-level personnel.
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