The fall before the rise

Are the very values at the core of the American ethos—meritocracy, innovation, free speech, and even democracy itself—responsible for the country’s decline over the past 50 years?

Award-winning journalist and bestselling author Steven Brill argues that we have unwittingly created an entrenched elite whose power has fueled an erosion of accountability, an increasingly hollow economic and political center, and an ever-sharpening cultural polarization. But he also spotlights the Americans who are fighting to fix our broken system—and reveals how their example could show us a way back from the abyss.

At once a dire diagnosis and a prescription for a brighter future, Tailspin is a work of riveting journalism—and a welcome antidote to political despair.

Review Quotes

“Tailspin is a must read for all citizens troubled by the inequities, malfunctions and bizarre shape of our public and private sectors.” —Tom Brokaw 

“Steve Brill has written a book that every American should read. It faces the problems of our immediate past unflinchingly. At the same time it sees the seedlings of hope all across America. Ultimately, it reminds us that America is in the choices we make as citizens. The future is up to us.” —Bill Bradley, former U.S. Senator

"Steven Brill's Tailspin does precisely what the daily torrent of news does not: make sense. The book is nothing less than a unified (and persuasive) theory of everything—including politics, business, culture—and it even includes several glimmers of hope amid the pervasive darkness." —Jeffrey Toobin, author of American Heiress

“Steve Brill has built on years of investigative journalism to produce a brilliant and powerful book on the most critical issue of our time: How did America’s core values get hijacked by a privileged class? During the past fifty years, we have undermined our basic national creed that we are a level playing field where any kid has the opportunity to build a better life. This book is not a political or ideological screed. Instead, it’s a model of deep reporting and fact-driven analysis. Everyone, left and right and center, should read it. It will open your eyes and challenge your assumptions.” —Walter Isaacson, author of Leonardo da Vinci

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