Griftopia: A Story of Bankers, Politicians, and the Most Audacious Power Grab in American History

by Matt Taibbi

A brilliantly illuminating and darkly comic tale of the ongoing financial and political crisis in America.
 
The financial crisis that exploded in 2008 isn’t past but prologue. The grifter class—made up of the largest players in the financial industry and the politicians who do their bidding—has been growing in power, and the crisis was only one terrifying manifestation of how they’ve hijacked America’s political and economic life.

Matt Taibbi has combined deep sources, trailblazing reportage, and provocative analysis to create the most lucid, emotionally galvanizing account yet written of this ongoing American crisis. He offers fresh reporting on the backroom deals of the bailout; tells the story of Goldman Sachs, the “vampire squid wrapped around the face of humanity”; and uncovers the hidden commodities bubble that transferred billions of dollars to Wall Street while creating food shortages around the world.

This is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the labyrinthine inner workings of this country, and the profound consequences for us all.

• ISBN10: 0385529961
• ISBN13: 9780385529969
• Publish Date: 6 September 2011 (first published 2 November 2010)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Spiegel & Grau
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 320
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780385529969

Reviews

[kaeta]

Read as someone who knows very little about the financial industry, I'm not sure how much of this was pure bias. It's certainly very opinionated. It's a fast read and interesting, but be warned, it will make you want to punch someone.