book someone is out to get us: a not so brief history of cold war paranoia and madness

someone is out to get us: a not so brief history of cold war paranoia and madness book by brian brown

"someone is out to get us: a not so brief history of cold war paranoia and madness" by brian brown is a compelling non-fiction exploration into the psychological landscape of the cold war era. this insightful book delves deep into the delusions, absurdities, and closely guarded secrets that defined a period when fear permeated american society. spanning 512 pages, its a meticulously researched historical account that offers immense value to anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of cold war paranoia on the united states and its people.

someone is out to get us: a not so brief history of cold war paranoia and madness summary

brian brown’s "someone is out to get us" uncovers the intricate tapestry of fear and mistrust that characterized the cold war years. the book meticulously investigates how the united states, for over forty years, battled an enemy that was arguably a creation of its own making, almost terrifying itself into self-destruction. brown argues that the nation harbored an exaggerated fear of a "chimera" – a struggling communist empire that could barely sustain itself – only for it to be revealed that behind the iron curtain lay merely a "sad potemkin village". this gripping historical account challenges conventional narratives, exploring everything from ufo sightings and lsd experiments to the political machinations of figures like richard nixon, j. edgar hoover, and joseph mccarthy. the author highlights how lies, conspiracies, and widespread paranoia plunged americans into a state of collective madness, diverting attention from the true challenges within their own society. the book even posits that one of the most significant threats to national security might have originated from an unexpected quarter: a highly effective soviet spy cell composed of aristocratic englishmen educated at cambridge. through this detailed examination, brown illuminates how opportunistic cold warriors exploited public anxieties, employing tactics of "gaslighting" to advance political agendas. "someone is out to get us" is a true and complete account of a frequently misunderstood historical period, forcing readers to confront the unsettling realization that during the cold war, the real enemy might have been staring back at americans in the mirror.

about the author brian brown

brian t. brown is an accomplished journalist, writer, and director, known for his incisive historical analysis and engaging narrative style. he has an impressive career, having contributed to twelve olympic broadcasts and worked on some of americas most-watched television shows. browns professional journey began in newspapers, with stints at the new york times and the san diego union. beyond "someone is out to get us," he is also the author of "ring force" and "tv: a novel", and is a fifteen-time emmy winner. his work includes co-writing and directing "the last gold," a feature-length documentary released in 2016. since 2017, brown has shared his expertise as an adjunct professor at fordham university. coming of age during the watergate era, brian brown belongs to a generation that naturally developed a healthy skepticism toward established institutions, a perspective that deeply informs his historical investigations.

someone is out to get us: a not so brief history of cold war paranoia and madness faq

1. what is "someone is out to get us" about?

   "someone is out to get us: a not so brief history of cold war paranoia and madness" by brian brown is a non-fiction book that explores the profound paranoia, delusions, and hidden truths of the cold war era in the united states. it delves into the various ways fear and distrust shaped american society, from government policies to popular culture.

2. what genre does "someone is out to get us" belong to?

   this book falls under the genres of nonfiction and history, specifically focusing on american history, cold war history, and political analysis. it also touches upon themes of social science and conspiracy theories related to the period.

3. who is the author of "someone is out to get us"?

   the author of "someone is out to get us: a not so brief history of cold war paranoia and madness" is brian t. brown. he is a well-regarded journalist, writer, and director with a background in television production and newspaper reporting.

4. how long is the book "someone is out to get us"?

   the hardcover edition of "someone is out to get us" is 512 pages long. this substantial length allows for a detailed and comprehensive examination of the cold war period and its psychological impact.

5. what are some key themes explored in the book?

   key themes in "someone is out to get us" include cold war paranoia, the role of political opportunism and "gaslighting" in shaping public opinion, government secrecy, the exploration of absurdities and delusions, and how americas fear of communism may have been exaggerated. it covers subjects like ufos, lsd experiments, mccarthyism, and the political actions of figures like richard nixon and j. edgar hoover.