Robert Parry

Robert Parry (1949-2018) was an American investigative journalist known for his coverage of national security issues and his work uncovering details of the Iran-Contra affair in the 1980s. During his career with the Associated Press and Newsweek, he broke several major stories about CIA operations and government scandals. Parry earned acclaim for his reporting on the Nicaraguan Contra rebels and their connection to cocaine trafficking in the United States. His work contributed to revealing the secret network that provided support to the Contras during a period when such aid was banned by Congress. In 1995, Parry founded ConsortiumNews.com, one of the first online investigative news magazines. Through this platform, he continued his investigative work and published several books including "Trick or Treason" and "Lost History: Contras, Cocaine, the Press & Project Truth." His reporting earned him the George Polk Award for National Reporting in 1984 and the I.F. Stone Medal for Journalistic Independence from Harvard's Nieman Foundation in 2015. Parry remained active in journalism until his death, maintaining his focus on government accountability and investigative reporting.

Readers consistently highlight Parry's detailed research and documentation of government misconduct, particularly in his coverage of Iran-Contra and CIA operations. On Amazon and Goodreads, readers frequently mention his ability to connect complex political events and present clear evidence. What readers liked: - Thorough sourcing and extensive documentation - Clear explanation of complicated political networks - Independent perspective outside mainstream media narratives - Specific focus on following money trails and official documents What readers disliked: - Dense writing style with heavy detail - Some readers found his tone too critical of establishment media - Later works viewed as more opinion-driven than early reporting - Limited coverage of opposing viewpoints Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: Average 4.2/5 across all books - Amazon: "Lost History" 4.5/5 (89 reviews) - Amazon: "Trick or Treason" 4.3/5 (67 reviews) - ConsortiumNews reader reviews: Consistently positive with emphasis on factual reporting One reader noted: "Parry proves every assertion with multiple sources and documents - this isn't speculation, it's real investigation."

America's Stolen Narrative (2012) A historical examination of key moments in American political history, focusing on events from the 1968 election through the early Obama years.

Neck Deep: The Disastrous Presidency of George W. Bush (2007) A detailed analysis of the Bush administration's decisions and policies, with emphasis on the Iraq War and domestic surveillance programs.

Secrecy & Privilege: Rise of the Bush Dynasty from Watergate to Iraq (2004) An investigation into the Bush family's political ascendancy and influence on American politics from the 1970s to 2000s.

Lost History: Contras, Cocaine, the Press & Project Truth (1999) A study of the Iran-Contra scandal, examining the role of media coverage and government operations in Central America.

Trick or Treason: The October Surprise Mystery (1993) An investigation of allegations that the 1980 Reagan campaign interfered with negotiations to release American hostages in Iran.

Fooling America: How Washington Insiders Twist the Truth (1992) An analysis of how political operatives and government officials shape public perception through media manipulation.

Ken Follett writes medieval historical thrillers focused on cathedral building and European politics during periods of war and upheaval. His works combine detailed historical research with multiple plot threads and interconnected character arcs.

Bernard Cornwell creates historical fiction set in Anglo-Saxon England and other medieval periods with an emphasis on warfare and military campaigns. His narratives feature battlefield tactics and political intrigue through the perspective of warrior protagonists.

Elizabeth Chadwick produces novels set in medieval England and France based on primary source research and biographical information about historical figures. Her work focuses on the lives of nobles and knights during the 12th and 13th centuries.

Sharon Kay Penman writes historical epics covering the Plantagenet dynasty and medieval Welsh princes with attention to period detail and political complexity. Her books incorporate both major historical figures and fictional characters to tell stories of succession crises and power struggles.

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