Corruptions of Empire: Life Studies and the Reagan Era

The Haymarket Series

by Alexander Cockburn

“The implied narrative of this collection is the journalist’s background, the imperial myths that helped to shape him, the impulse to exile and his encounter with the Reagan era. The background, the myths and the impulse to exile form the first three sections of this book, whose overall architecture will, I hope, give some sense of the terms in which I have viewed my trade.”—Alexander Cockburn, from the introduction

Genres: Politics, Essays, History, American History, Nonfiction, Journalism, American

540 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1987

About the author

Alexander Claud Cockburn was an American political journalist. Cockburn was brought up in Ireland but has lived and worked in the United States since 1972. Together with Jeffrey St. Clair, he edits the political newsletter CounterPunch. Cockburn also writes the "Beat the Devil" column for The Nation and a weekly syndicated column for the Los Angeles Times as well as for The First Post, which is syndicated by Creators Syndicate.

Reviews

[Erik Graff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of essays is more than just political. The person of the author comes through as well. In all instances, Cockburn writes extremely well. His political essays are generally quite controversial, hitting not only at the traditional enemies of progressivism, but also at many of the assumptions of the Left. Like Christopher Hitchens, another excellent writer, Cockburn is a challenging delight to read, whether or not one agrees. Personally, I much prefer--and more often agree with--Cockburn.

[Mark McTague · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history that doesn't make the history books. Certainly the stories that don't make the New York Times, unless you've learned to read between the lines. Also, sadly, the history that no one seems interested in.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, astute, and scathing. The last section, 'An Archive of the Reagan Era' is mostly interesting and covers a range of topics, interspersed with some shorter articles on Central America which are now dated.
I'll add more of a review covering the rest of the book. Alexander Cockburn was one great political journalist.

[Tommy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of 80s political and cultural jabs e.g. on Gaddafi and Reagan, Jesse Jacksons "Rainbow Coalition", shits on more respectable journalists but there's some signs of crude Ludditism and misreading of some things herein. Starts with some personal background on his Irish nationality and experience of schooling.