First published 2003
Yale University houses one of America's most secretive organizations. For nearly two centuries, Skull and Bones has operated behind closed doors, shrouded in mystery and wielding quiet influence. Alexandra Robbins breaks through the society's wall of silence using internal documents and candid interviews with dozens of members. She reveals the rituals, traditions, and networks that have sustained this elite brotherhood across generations. The book exposes how an antiquated system from another era continues to flourish in modern times. Robbins shows why wealthy young men still seek membership in this exclusive club and how the society maintains its grip on power. Her investigation uncovers the mechanisms that allow Skull and Bones to thrive despite changing social attitudes toward secret organizations and inherited privilege.
Genres: political-science, non-fiction, academia, american-history
Vibes: suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: power-dynamics, secrets
Setting: Yale University, America
Period: 19th-century, 20th-century, 21st-century
280 pages · Hardcover · Diederichs