Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra
Book Recommendations

Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra

As a new authoritarian movement rises in American politics, stoked by one of the country’s most outrageous demagogues, there is an all-out international manhunt for an American traitor. The U.S. Army’s Nazi war crimes trials in Germany have been infiltrated by a spy -- a mole for the other side. A g...

Episodes 25
Books 20

Recently mentioned

Latest Recommendations

Taking America Back: The Conservative Movement and the Far Right cover

Taking America Back

David Austin Walsh

Mentioned 1 year ago

Episode 7: Mobilized

It was highly recommended for the engaging content about the conservative movement and the far right.

David has a great book that I highly recommend. It's called Taking America Back, The Conservative Movement and the Far Right.

Buy on Amazon
God and Man at Yale cover

God and Man at Yale

William F. Buckley

Mentioned 1 year ago

Episode 7: Mobilized

It had recently been published, and was mentioned as a point of interest for the growing influence of William F. Buckley Jr. on the right.

And he's here alongside James Madol, the National Renaissance Party leader. He's just published something too, something titled Adolf Hitler, the George Washington of Europe.

Buy on Amazon
Hitler: Downfall: 1939-1945 cover

Hitler

Volker Ullrich

Mentioned 1 year ago

Episode 7: Mobilized

It was recently published, and was mentioned in the context of the radical ideologies and affiliations present at a Madison Square Garden rally.

Dying for Joe McCarthy's Sins-The Suicide of Wyoming Senator Lester Hunt cover

Dying for Joe McCarthy's Sins-The Suicide of Wyoming Senator Lester Hunt

Rodger McDaniel

Mentioned 1 year ago

Episode 6: Under Pressure

The book tells the story of the suicide of Wyoming Senator Lester Hunt and how he was blackmailed by Joe McCarthy and his allies. It was the result of a blackmail campaign that involved Hunt's son, Buddy, who was arrested and convicted for soliciting gay sex.

Huge thanks to Roger McDaniel, whose book on Lester Hunt is a fantastic read. It's called Dying for Joe McCarthy's Sins, the Suicide of Wyoming Senator Lester Hunt.

Buy on Amazon
Imperium;: The philosophy of history and politics cover

Imperium;

Francis Parker Yockey

Mentioned 2 years ago

Episode 5: Coming Home

It was described as an anti-Semitic hate book, a 600-page sprawling fascist battle cry that argued for the creation of a global fascist empire to finish what Hitler started. The book was dedicated to Hitler and called Jewish people culture distorters, it also claimed that the Holocaust never happened and that it was all a hoax. The book has many editions and reprints including one in French, Spanish, and German. It is now seen as a Bible by some on the far right.

It's very much an anti-Semitic book. It's very much a hate book.

Buy on Amazon
Dreamer of the Day: Francis Parker Yockeyand the Postwar Fascist International cover

Dreamer of the Day

Kevin Coogan

Mentioned 2 years ago

Episode 5: Coming Home

It was described as the definitive scholarship on the life of Francis Parker Yaqui.

Demagogue: The Life and Long Shadow of Senator Joe McCarthy cover

Demagogue

Larry Tye

Mentioned 2 years ago

Episode 5: Coming Home

It was described as a great McCarthy biography.

Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism cover

Prequel

Rachel Maddow

Mentioned 2 years ago

Bonus Episode: Rachel Maddow in Conversation with Tony Kushner

Rachel Maddow read an excerpt from her book "Prequel" at a live event in Provincetown, Massachusetts, before discussing it with Tony Kushner. The book is related to the themes and history covered in her podcast "Ultra" and explores the rise of fascism in America.

I started by reading an excerpt from my book "Prequel", and then Tony and I talked about "Prequel" and about season one of "Ultra" and some of the themes in this new season of "Ultra".

Buy on Amazon
Henry Ford and the Jews: The Mass Production of Hate cover

Henry Ford and the Jews

Neil Baldwin

Mentioned 2 years ago

Bonus Episode: Rachel Maddow in Conversation with Tony Kushner

Henry Ford, a powerful industrialist, published a four-volume book titled "The International Jew" which espoused anti-Semitic views. The book was widely circulated and translated into 12 languages, including German, where it influenced Adolf Hitler.

Ford also saw to the publication of his foul series in book form. It was titled "The International Jew". It ran to four volumes.

Buy on Amazon
Mein Kampf: A Translation Controversy cover

Mein Kampf

Michael Ford

Mentioned 2 years ago

Bonus Episode: Rachel Maddow in Conversation with Tony Kushner

Adolf Hitler's book, "Mein Kampf", was published in 1925. Hitler is said to have taken inspiration, including passages, from Henry Ford's anti-Semitic publications.

When Adolf Hitler's book "Mein Kampf" was published in 1925, Hitler appeared to lift not just ideas but whole passages from Ford's own publications.

Buy on Amazon
The Wave of the Future cover

The Wave of the Future

Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Mentioned 2 years ago

Bonus Episode: Rachel Maddow in Conversation with Tony Kushner

In 1940, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, the wife of famous pilot Charles Lindbergh, published "The Wave of the Future." The book was the number one bestseller in the US and promoted fascist ideals.

And the wife of Charles Lindbergh, the man who is more famous in America than anybody other than the president, the wife of Charles Lindbergh, the famous pilot, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, has just published what will become the number one best-selling book in the country.

Buy on Amazon
The Anatomy of Fascism cover

The Anatomy of Fascism

Robert O. Paxton

Mentioned 2 years ago

Bonus Episode: Rachel Maddow in Conversation with Tony Kushner

Tony Kushner mentioned Robert Paxton's book "Anatomy of Fascism" which lays out a framework for understanding the five stages of fascism. These stages include discontent, political establishment, partnership with mainstream right-wing groups, power consolidation, and radical system change.

Robert Paxton has this book called "Anatomy of Fascism". There's a lot of books about fascism now. It's a growing industry. His book is a little older than the current flurry of books about fascism, but he has I think what I consider to be a really good framework for what he calls the five phases of fascism.

Buy on Amazon

Most Recommended

Imperium;: The philosophy of history and politics Cover

Francis Parker Yockey

Imperium;

The philosophy of history and politics

The hosts described the title as a sprawling fascist manifesto that glorified Hitler, denied the Holocaust, and blamed Jews for the West's decline, noting its dedication to Hitler and its status as a far‑right bible. They highlighted its anti‑Semitic content and the numerous reprints in multiple languages, emphasizing its hateful ideology. The discussion framed the work as an extremist hate text rather than a legitimate scholarly work.

Critiqued
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Episode 5: Coming Home

It was described as an anti-Semitic hate book, a 600-page sprawling fascist battle cry that argued for the creation of a global fascist empire to finish what Hitler started. The book was dedicated to Hitler and called Jewish people culture distorters, it also claimed that the Holocaust never happened and that it was all a hoax. The book has many editions and reprints including one in French, Spanish, and German. It is now seen as a Bible by some on the far right.

"

It's very much an anti-Semitic book. It's very much a hate book.

gas chambers, quote, did not exist and that thousands of people who had supposedly been killed weren't killed at all because they, quote, published accounts of their experiences in these camps.

The book is actually dedicated to Hitler.

It rants about the supposedly poisoned bloodstream and lost vitality of the West.

It's all the fault of the Jews.

Dreamer of the Day: Francis Parker Yockeyand the Postwar Fascist International Cover

Kevin Coogan

Dreamer of the Day

Francis Parker Yockeyand the Postwar Fascist International

The hosts noted that the book provided the definitive scholarship on Francis Parker Yockey, offering comprehensive insight into his life and the postwar fascist network. They highlighted its thorough research and authority, recommending it as essential reading for anyone studying that era. Overall, the discussion was strongly positive.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
Demagogue: The Life and Long Shadow of Senator Joe McCarthy Cover

Larry Tye

Demagogue

The Life and Long Shadow of Senator Joe McCarthy

During the episode, the host praised the book as a great biography of Senator Joe McCarthy, noting its comprehensive coverage of his life and lasting influence. The recommendation suggested it as a valuable resource for listeners interested in the era.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism Cover

Rachel Maddow

Prequel

An American Fight Against Fascism

The book was highlighted when Rachel Maddow read an excerpt during a live conversation with Tony Kushner, linking its exploration of fascism in America to the themes of the podcast's new season. Both hosts discussed how the work delves into historical patterns of segregation and authoritarianism, noting its relevance to the series. The discussion conveyed strong endorsement of the title as a valuable complement to the podcast’s focus.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Bonus Episode: Rachel Maddow in Conversation with...

Rachel Maddow read an excerpt from her book "Prequel" at a live event in Provincetown, Massachusetts, before discussing it with Tony Kushner. The book is related to the themes and history covered in her podcast "Ultra" and explores the rise of fascism in America.

"

I started by reading an excerpt from my book "Prequel", and then Tony and I talked about "Prequel" and about season one of "Ultra" and some of the themes in this new season of "Ultra".

I also need to warn you that it has two terrible dad jokes in it for which I do not apologize. But here's me and Tony Kushner. I'll be back next week with a brand new episode of "Ultra".

And I think you say in the epilogue in "Prequel" goes on to a career of Holocaust denial.

I quote Langston Hughes saying that in the book, but segregation and fascism are the sort of two gold- I sort of think of it as like that song says it's different demons same devil.

And there's a phrase that I didn't know. I learned it in "Prequel", umwege.

Henry Ford and the Jews: The Mass Production of Hate Cover

Neil Baldwin

Henry Ford and the Jews

The Mass Production of Hate

In a bonus conversation, the host highlighted how the industrialist published a four‑volume anti‑Semitic work that was translated into twelve languages and cited by Hitler. She referenced the title to illustrate the mass‑production of hate and its historical impact. The discussion was factual and did not promote the book, treating it as a source for understanding Ford’s influence.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Bonus Episode: Rachel Maddow in Conversation with...

Henry Ford, a powerful industrialist, published a four-volume book titled "The International Jew" which espoused anti-Semitic views. The book was widely circulated and translated into 12 languages, including German, where it influenced Adolf Hitler.

"

Ford also saw to the publication of his foul series in book form. It was titled "The International Jew". It ran to four volumes.

Ford saw to it that the four volumes of "The International Jew", the book, were translated and published worldwide in 12 international editions, including one in Germany.

The Mein Kampf first edition extolled Henry Ford by name. Hitler wrote, "It is the Jews who govern the stock exchange forces of the American Union. Every year makes them more and more the controlling masters of the producers in a nation of 120 millions. Only a single great man, Ford, to their fury still maintains full independence."

I regard Henry Ford as my inspiration.

Mein Kampf: A Translation Controversy Cover

Michael Ford

Mein Kampf

A Translation Controversy

In the bonus episode, the host noted that the title was cited for its historical significance, pointing out that Hitler had lifted entire passages from Henry Ford's anti‑Jewish writings into his own work. The discussion focused on the disturbing link between the two authors rather than recommending the book itself.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Bonus Episode: Rachel Maddow in Conversation with...

Adolf Hitler's book, "Mein Kampf", was published in 1925. Hitler is said to have taken inspiration, including passages, from Henry Ford's anti-Semitic publications.

"

When Adolf Hitler's book "Mein Kampf" was published in 1925, Hitler appeared to lift not just ideas but whole passages from Ford's own publications.

The Mein Kampf first edition extolled Henry Ford by name. Hitler wrote, "It is the Jews who govern the stock exchange forces of the American Union. Every year makes them more and more the controlling masters of the producers in a nation of 120 millions. Only a single great man, Ford, to their fury still maintains full independence."

The Wave of the Future Cover

Anne Morrow Lindbergh

The Wave of the Future

In a bonus episode, Rachel Maddow noted that the author, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, had released a work that became the number‑one bestseller in 1940. She explained that the title glorified fascism and was cited as an illustration of extremist propaganda. The discussion was critical of its content.

Critiqued
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Bonus Episode: Rachel Maddow in Conversation with...

In 1940, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, the wife of famous pilot Charles Lindbergh, published "The Wave of the Future." The book was the number one bestseller in the US and promoted fascist ideals.

"

And the wife of Charles Lindbergh, the man who is more famous in America than anybody other than the president, the wife of Charles Lindbergh, the famous pilot, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, has just published what will become the number one best-selling book in the country.

It is titled "The Wave of the Future", and it is all about how fascism is the glorious future for all of us. It is the top-selling book in America in 1940.

The Anatomy of Fascism Cover

Robert O. Paxton

The Anatomy of Fascism

In the bonus conversation, Tony Kushner highlighted the book as a valuable resource that outlines a clear five‑stage framework for understanding fascism, noting that despite being older than many recent titles, its analysis remains especially useful. He praised the author’s approach for providing insight into how discontent can evolve into radical systemic change.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Bonus Episode: Rachel Maddow in Conversation with...

Tony Kushner mentioned Robert Paxton's book "Anatomy of Fascism" which lays out a framework for understanding the five stages of fascism. These stages include discontent, political establishment, partnership with mainstream right-wing groups, power consolidation, and radical system change.

"

Robert Paxton has this book called "Anatomy of Fascism". There's a lot of books about fascism now. It's a growing industry. His book is a little older than the current flurry of books about fascism, but he has I think what I consider to be a really good framework for what he calls the five phases of fascism.

The Dual State Cover

Ernst Fraenkel

The Dual State

The book was highlighted during a conversation where Tony Kushner noted that Edith Loewenstein had translated it, describing it as the first U.S. publication to explain how fascism operated in Nazi Germany. He explained that it introduced the concept of a dual state, with parallel legal and emergency systems. The discussion presented the title as a seminal analysis of authoritarian structures, conveying strong endorsement.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Bonus Episode: Rachel Maddow in Conversation with...

Edith Loewenstein, a member of the prosecution team in the sedition trials who later became a renowned immigration lawyer, translated Ernest Frenkel's book "The Dual State." The book provided an early analysis of fascism's functioning in Nazi Germany and highlighted the concept of a "dual state" where legal and emergency systems operated concurrently.

"

One of her first jobs was translating this book by a guy named Ernest Frenkel called "The Dual State" that lays out the first time I think that anyone in the United States had published a book sort of explaining how fascism was working in Germany and The Dual State was essentially, if I'm right about this, there were two states operating side-by-side.

The Malmedy Massacre: The War Crimes Trial Controversy Cover

Steven P. Remy

The Malmedy Massacre

The War Crimes Trial Controversy

Rachel Maddow strongly recommended the book, describing it as a seminal work that covered the trial and controversy in depth. She noted that while many writings existed on the subject, this title was considered the most definitive historical account. The episode highlighted its importance for listeners seeking a thorough understanding of the events.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Episode 3: Malmedy

It was strongly recommended, as a seminal work covering the trial and controversy. There had been much written on the subject, but this was considered to be the most definitive historical account.

"

You really should read his excellent book. It's called The Malmedy Massacre, The War Crimes Trial Controversy.

The Red Network: A Who's Who and Handbook of Radicalism for Patriots (Classic Reprint) Cover

Elizabeth Kirkpatrick Dilling

The Red Network

A Who's Who and Handbook of Radicalism for Patriots (Classic Reprint)

The episode referenced the author of the title as one of the individuals indicted for sedition, mentioning the book only in passing while discussing historical figures. No recommendation or critique of the work was offered.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Episode 8: Ultra Vires

Elizabeth Dilling, author of "Red Network", was one of the people indicted for sedition.

"

Those indicted include such people as Elizabeth Dilling, author of The Red Network.

Undercover: A Novel Cover

Danielle Steel

Undercover

A Novel

John Roy Carlson's book "Undercover" was a smash success. It was well-written, shocking, and full of photographs and original source documents.

"

The book was really well written. It was legitimately shocking. It was full of photographs and original source documents.

— Episode: Episode 8: Ultra Vires

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Episode 8: Ultra Vires

John Roy Carlson's book "Undercover" was a smash success. It was well-written, shocking, and full of photographs and original source documents.

"

The book was really well written. It was legitimately shocking. It was full of photographs and original source documents.

His book was a smash success.

Darunian's book was called Undercover, and it was the top-selling book in the United States in 1943.

The Plot: The Secret Story of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion Cover

Will Eisner

The Plot

The Secret Story of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion

The episode referenced the book as a source describing the anti‑Jewish forgery that the Nazi party and other anti‑Semites disseminated, noting its use in a congressional mail‑out and a lawyer’s attempt to introduce it as evidence. It was presented as a historical example of Nazi propaganda rather than a recommendation.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Episode 6: Bedlam

The book was described as an anti-Jewish forgery promoted by the Nazi party, and by anti-Semites all over the world. It was mentioned in connection with the Nazi propaganda operation in Congress. The book was being mailed out as part of the Nazi propaganda efforts to the American people.

"

Frank Donvalopes from Congressman Hamilton Fish's office were used to send out literature from the armed fascist group The Silver Shirts as well as a mail order form for people to receive copies of the protocols of the elders of Zion, an anti-Jewish forgery promoted by the Nazi party and by anti-Semites all over the world.

One defense lawyer told the jury that the government's case was a Jewish conspiracy. He also railed in court about Jewish international bankers and tried repeatedly to introduce the protocols of the elders of Zion as evidence.

Why We Fight: Congress and the Politics of World War II Cover

Nancy Beck Young

Why We Fight

Congress and the Politics of World War II

The title, written by historian Nancy Beck Young, was highlighted for its examination of Congress and the politics surrounding World War II. Rachel Maddow urged listeners to check it out, describing it as an excellent work. The recommendation emphasized its relevance for understanding wartime legislative dynamics.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Episode 5: Shut It Down

The book is mentioned as being written by Nancy Beck Young, who is a historian. It explores Congress and the politics of World War II.

"

You should definitely check out her excellent book. It's called "Why We Fight: Congress and the Politics of World War Two."

Hitler's American Friends: The Third Reich's Supporters in the United States Cover

Bradley W. Hart

Hitler's American Friends

The Third Reich's Supporters in the United States

In the episode, Rachel Maddow highlighted the book as an excellent account of the supporters of the Third Reich in the United States, noting its thorough research and compelling narrative. She gave it an enthusiastic endorsement, describing it as a top‑tier recommendation for listeners interested in this historical topic.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Episode 4: A Bad Angle

This book is about the supporters of the Third Reich in the United States, it was highly recommended by the speaker.

"

His excellent, excellent book is called Hitler's American Friends, the Third Reich's supporters in the United States.

Highest recommendation, 12 stars out of 10.

Nazis of Copley Square: The Forgotten Story of the Christian Front Cover

Charles Gallagher

Nazis of Copley Square

The Forgotten Story of the Christian Front

The host praised the title as an incredible read, highlighting that it uncovers the overlooked history of the Christian Front. He urged listeners to read the book for its compelling revelation of this forgotten story.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Episode 2: The Brooklyn Boys

It was mentioned as an incredible book by the podcast host, and it tells the forgotten story of the Christian Front.

"

You should read his book, it's incredible. It's called Nazis of Copley Square, The Forgotten Story of the Christian Front.

Dying for Joe McCarthy's Sins-The Suicide of Wyoming Senator Lester Hunt Cover

Rodger McDaniel

Dying for Joe McCarthy's Sins-The Suicide of Wyoming Senator Lester Hunt

The episode highlighted the book’s account of Senator Lester Hunt’s suicide, describing how McCarthy’s blackmail campaign—centered on Hunt’s son’s arrest for soliciting gay sex—led to his death. Rachel Maddow thanked the author and called the work a fantastic read, emphasizing its importance for understanding McCarthy’s tactics. Listeners were encouraged to explore the detailed narrative for its historical insight.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Episode 6: Under Pressure

The book tells the story of the suicide of Wyoming Senator Lester Hunt and how he was blackmailed by Joe McCarthy and his allies. It was the result of a blackmail campaign that involved Hunt's son, Buddy, who was arrested and convicted for soliciting gay sex.

"

Huge thanks to Roger McDaniel, whose book on Lester Hunt is a fantastic read. It's called Dying for Joe McCarthy's Sins, the Suicide of Wyoming Senator Lester Hunt.

It was Buddy himself who suggested that Roger McDaniel should write a book about his dad, about what was done to him.

Taking America Back: The Conservative Movement and the Far Right Cover

David Austin Walsh

Taking America Back

The Conservative Movement and the Far Right

In the episode, Rachel Maddow praised the title as a great read, noting its engaging exploration of the conservative movement and the far right. She highlighted its insightful analysis and recommended it strongly to listeners.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Episode 7: Mobilized

It was highly recommended for the engaging content about the conservative movement and the far right.

"

David has a great book that I highly recommend. It's called Taking America Back, The Conservative Movement and the Far Right.

God and Man at Yale Cover

William F. Buckley

God and Man at Yale

The book was noted as a newly released work that illustrated William F. Buckley Jr.'s growing influence on the political right, and it was mentioned as a point of interest during the episode. The hosts referenced it in the context of Buckley's rising prominence without offering a strong endorsement.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Episode 7: Mobilized

It had recently been published, and was mentioned as a point of interest for the growing influence of William F. Buckley Jr. on the right.

"

And he's here alongside James Madol, the National Renaissance Party leader. He's just published something too, something titled Adolf Hitler, the George Washington of Europe.

Hitler: Downfall: 1939-1945 Cover

Volker Ullrich

Hitler

Downfall

The book was noted as a recent publication and was brought up while discussing the radical ideologies and affiliations observed at a Madison Square Garden rally. It was mentioned to provide historical context for extremist movements, but no explicit endorsement was given.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.