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Prince of Darkness: Richard Perle: The Kingdom, the Power & the End of Empire in America

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Alan Weisman's profile on Richard Perle is a careful examination into the life of one of Washington's most feared politicians. Although the media loves to hate Perle, Weisman paints a well-balanced picture, citing Perle's achievements in areas like arms control, as well as his complicity in going to War with Iraq. Weisman's seamless rendering of the facts with quotes and Perle's personal anecdotes makes me feel like a real insider. I own a copy and am already on my second read of the biography.

A real only-in-America story about a man who came from next to nothing, yet rose to command the attention of the most powerful in Washington. Although despised by plenty along the way, Richard Perle became the principal shaper of a US foreign policy destined to affect the next millennium, if we last that long.

Told with inimitable style by the author, clearly an insightful reporter and master story teller, "Prince of Darkness" gets under Richard Perle's fingernails and also the reader's, regardless of political persuasion. This is a good one for both sides of the aisle. Check it out.

This book gets right to the heart of why America is in the position it is in today. Perle is not an elected politician and has never run for public office. He is a "whisperer." He whispers in the ears of politicians. He does not have to account to anyone. Yet, he wields the kind of influence that puts our troops in Iraq and for what ? So the big boys can make a fortune on weapons deals and reconstruction ?

Alan Weisman has written a quite a report not only on Richard Perle but the behind the scenes workings in the Washington. I don't know why network news has not followed this trail. Loss of access ?

Any book about Richard Perle must be approached with some trepidation. He is a public figure who had espoused foreign policy initiatives that has polarized certain segments of the media and body politic. I fully support the position that true objectivity is impossible the side of the Great Divide but I distain hatched jobs. This reader is pleased to report that author Weisman had made a commendable attempt to be, if not fair, at least honest.

Prior to reading this book my awareness of Mr. Perle originated from mystifying commentary in books purported to be about Presidents Reagan and Bush. High on this list was " The Fall of the House of Bush: The Delusions of the Neoconservatives and American Armageddon". I made a mental note - no I can't tell you how I do that - that Mr. Perle is someone I would like to know more about.

Mr. Weisman conducted extensive interviews with Richard Perle and provides us readers with liberal doses of rebuttal as he navigated the sometimes-stormy public life of his subject. It is no surprise Pearle co-operated with the author. He has a penchant for drawing attention to himself and then mounting the bully pulpit to espouse whatever. In respect to this book Perle must have been aware that a sober discussion of his various unwise financial dealings and discredited political positions would cumulatively relegate him to a spot between Richard Nixon and Oliver North. Well, it's interesting reading and sure to irritate a great number of people.

Weisman provides a brief but helpful bibliography for those desirering to pursue the topics raised in this book.

If Mr. Weisman had used the title above, it would have given the reader a better idea of the book's content. While eviscerating the entire Neo-Con movement and being fairly uniquivocal concerning the failures of the Bush Administration, Weisman again and again explains away Perle's culpability. Where others are duplicitous and downright evil, Perle is charming and naive. The Perle explanations that Weisman accepts without repudiation are absurd, bordering on insulting.

Some of Weisman's CBS "Journalism" chops are displayed in moments like a Reagan Gorbachev pre-summit where Reagan is described as sitting with a look of confusion and fear on his face. No attribution. Weisman wasn't there. Makes good TV, I guess - but not a very good book. You'll find the hard cover on the bargain racks for $4.99 so don't order it for more.

Prince of Darkness is a must-read for anyone interested in the fundamentals of Washington politics, particularly the conservative side. Well-written, never boring, always enlightening. Highly recommended.