Books Reviews

The Book of Bastards – Book Review

By Angela Youngman Jan 10, 2011, 16:22 GMT

Move over, Benedict Arnold . . .Oh to be sure, America?s first traitor is one of the 101 bastards you will find in this one-of-a-kind account of bad guys in Washington. But compared to some of the gross misconduct in this frighteningly funny history book, well, let?s just say he?s in good company. This page-turner of a potboiler reveals all the dirtiest little secrets readers never learned in history class. ...more

Wikileaks are quite mild compared with the secrets that have been hidden away in the US archives for the past few centuries.

Thornton has undertaken some fascinating research to create a look at the stories behind politicians old and new.  In fact, he has unearthed 101 of the worst scoundrels and scandals that could be found in the world of American politics and power. 

These are stories that would not be found in a standard history book.  Warran G Harding was found in a White House phone booth with his secretary, while General Wilkinson was also a Spanish secret agent.  Why was Tom Delay known also as the Exterminator and Hot Tub Tom?

Even today's politicians are not exempt - Sarah Palin's checkered career with a hilarious inability to keep the facts straight and why handing out legally collected state revenues becomes cash dividends for Alaskan voter while borrowing money to fix roads is 'sound conservative fiscal policy?' Even presidents are not exempt - politicians covered include Woodrow Wilson. 

This is a book that can only be described as different, and at times funny.  You can never see the world of politicians in quite the same light again.  Definitely worth exploring!