First published 2022
Garrett M. Graff reconstructs the complete Watergate story from its origins in the Pentagon Papers release through Nixon's resignation. The author traces how a botched break-in by five burglars at the Democratic National Committee headquarters unraveled into a sprawling scandal that toppled a presidency. Graff examines the roles of key figures including the psychologically troubled Nixon and his inner circle, prosecutors Archibald Cox and Leon Jaworski, congressional leaders Sam Ervin and Peter Rodino, reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, and FBI Associate Director Mark Felt, who remained hidden as "Deep Throat" for decades. The narrative incorporates recent revelations including newly released Nixon recordings and previously unknown participants ranging from George Steinbrenner to Hillary Rodham. Graff argues that Watergate represents a far more complex and bizarre saga than popular memory suggests, with implications that continue shaping American politics today.
Genres: history, 20th-century, political-science, non-fiction, biography-memoir, american-history
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: investigative-journalism, political-scandal
Setting: Democratic National Committee, Pentagon
Period: Watergate
1 pages · Audio CD · Simon & Schuster Audio and Blackstone Publishing