Revisited: Did the assassination of JFK kickstart the conspiracy theory movement?

In this book, Clint Hill provides a detailed and personal account of the events surrounding President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The narrative includes Hill’s firsthand experiences as the Secret Service agent who jumped onto the presidential limousine to protect the President and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. The book features more than 150 photos and offers a unique blend of historical context, personal reflection, and photographic evidence, making it a compelling commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the tragedy.

Kathryn Olmsted's "Real Enemies" meticulously traces the evolution of conspiracy theories in American politics, from World War I to 9/11. The book examines how these theories have shaped public discourse and influenced political events. Olmsted analyzes the underlying anxieties and societal factors that fuel conspiracy thinking, highlighting the role of immigration, economic uncertainty, and distrust of authority. The work explores key historical events, such as the Kennedy assassination and the Watergate scandal, demonstrating how conspiracy theories have been used to manipulate public opinion and undermine democratic institutions. Olmsted's insightful analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the enduring power of conspiracy theories in American society.

In this seminal work, Richard Hofstadter explores the concept of the 'paranoid style' in American politics, which he defines as a way of seeing and doing politics characterized by heated exaggeration, suspiciousness, and conspiratorial fantasy. The book, which includes the titular essay first published in Harper's Magazine in 1964, delves into historical examples such as the Anti-Masonic Movement, Father Coughlin's antisemitic conspiracies, and the post-McCarthy Right. Hofstadter argues that this style is not exclusive to any one side of the political spectrum and has been a recurring theme throughout American history, influencing political discourse and the behavior of individuals and groups. The book also includes other essays on topics like 'Free Silver and the Mind of 'Coin' Harvey' and 'What Happened to the Antitrust Movement? '