Book summary

In her investigation into the George W. Bush administration's War on Terror and the War in Iraq, journalist Jane Mayer provides stunning behind-the-scenes accounts of the decision-making process at the White House and the effects on those caught up in the conflicts. Mayer reveals how the White House claimed extraordinary powers, and rationalized them in questionable ways; she reveals exactly what happened to prisoners, and questions the value of torture as a means of gaining intelligence; and she examines just what effects this extra-legal actions had on our Constitution, the balance of power, and our country's standing in the world. Ultimately, Mayer questions whether the Bush administration squandered opportunity, and failed, ultimately, in the president's oath to defend the people of the United States and its Constitution. THE DARK SIDE was selected as a finalist for the 2008 National Book Award in Nonfiction and was also selected by the New York Times Book Review as one of its 10 Best Books of 2008.

Media reviews

"In THE DARK SIDE, Ms. Mayer provides a...the most vivid and comprehensive account we have had so far of how a government founded on checks and balances and respect for individual rights could have been turned against those ideals."