Summary:
‘American Dynasty’ by Kevin Phillips is a non-fiction book that explores the idea of a political dynasty within the United States, tracing the rise and influence of the Bush family from the early 20th century to the 2000 presidential election.
Book Genre:
Non-fiction, Political History, Biography
Main Topic of the Book:
The main topic of ‘American Dynasty’ is the influence and power of the Bush family in American politics, specifically looking at their rise to prominence, connections to big business and the oil industry, and the way in which their political legacy has shaped the country.
Key Ideas:
- The idea of a political dynasty in America
- The interconnectedness of politics and big business
- The impact of the oil industry on American politics
- The role of religion in politics and how it has been manipulated for political gain
- The dangers of a political dynasty and concentration of power
Main Parts of the Book:
- Part One: The Foundations of the Dynasty – explores the early history of the Bush family, including their involvement in the oil industry and political connections.
- Part Two: The Fathers, Jackals, and Coyotes – focuses on George H.W. Bush and his rise to power through various political roles and connections to the oil industry.
- Part Three: The Early Clinton Interlude and the Return of the Kings of Texas – looks at George W. Bush’s path to presidency and his first term in office.
- Part Four: The Cult, the Crusades, and the Clan – delves into the influence of religion in the Bush family and their use of it for political gain.
- Part Five: A Political Dynasty Enshrined – analyzes George W. Bush’s second term in office and the lasting impact of the Bush family on American politics.
Key Takeaways:
- The Bush family’s involvement in the oil industry has greatly influenced their rise to power and their policies as politicians.
- Religion has been a key tool for the Bush family in gaining and maintaining political power.
- The concentration of power within a political dynasty can have dangerous consequences for democracy.
- The interconnectedness of politics and big business can lead to conflicts of interest and corrupt practices.
- The actions and decisions of one political dynasty can have long-lasting effects on the country.
Author’s Background and Qualifications:
Kevin Phillips is a political and economic commentator, writer and historian. He has an extensive background in politics as a strategist for the Republican party, working on multiple presidential campaigns. He is also the author of several other books on politics and economics, including ‘The Emerging Republican Majority’ and ‘The Politics of Rich and Poor’. Phillips is known for his sharp analysis of American politics and the influence of money and power.
Target Audience:
The target audience for ‘American Dynasty’ is primarily readers interested in American political history, particularly those interested in the Bush family’s influence and impact. This book may also appeal to those interested in the dynamics of power and wealth in American politics.
Publisher and First Publication Date:
Published by Viking Press, ‘American Dynasty’ was first released in 2004. It has since been reissued and updated in 2016 with a new epilogue discussing the Bush family’s influence during the presidency of George W. Bush’s son, George W. Bush.