The Hidden History of Big Brother in America

The radio host and New York Times–bestselling author reveals how government and corporations misuse our personal data and how we can reclaim our privacy.

Many Americans worry about how companies like Facebook invade their privacy and harvest their data, but few fully understand the details of how their information is used—and misused. In this thought-provoking book, Thom Hartmann reveals exactly how the government and corporations are tracking our every online move and using our data for purposes ranging from buying elections to monetizing our lives.

Hartmann uses extensive, vivid examples to highlight the consequences of Big Data on all aspects of our lives, and traces the history of surveillance. As he explains, the goal of those who violate privacy and use surveillance is almost always social control and behavior modification.

Along with covering the history, Hartmann shows how we got to where we are today, how China—with its new Social Credit System—serves as a warning, and how we can and must avoid a similarly dystopian future. By delving into the Constitutional right to privacy, Hartmann reminds us of our civil right and shows how we can restore it.

“Expertly chronicles how Big Data coercively shapes our lives to profit off us . . . Hartmann’s urgent warning about the rise of the corporate-police state couldn’t be timelier.” —Maya Schenwar, coauthor of Prison by Any Other Name

Praise for Thom Hartmann

“Solid research.” —Publishers Weekly

“Brilliant ideas and eloquent writing.”—John Perkins, author of Confessions of an Economic Hit Man

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Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs