The Naked Communist

"The Naked Communist," a powerful exposé published in the early 1960s, achieved remarkable success, selling over 1.5 million copies. Its influence extended to the highest echelons of American government, with copies found in the CIA, FBI, and the White House, as well as numerous homes domestically and abroad, even being translated into Spanish. This groundbreaking book aimed to demystify communism, presenting its history, appeal, and core tenets in a single, accessible volume. Drawing on over a hundred sources, including those by Marxist authors, it sought to reveal the communist perspective "stripped of propaganda and pretense," hence its provocative title. This book is a definitive inclusion on a list of W. Cleon Skousen's best works due to its profound impact on public discourse during the Cold War. Skousen, a prominent conservative author and former FBI agent, brought his extensive knowledge and passionate anti-communist stance to bear on this comprehensive analysis. "The Naked Communist" directly addressed the anxieties and questions of the era, tackling vital issues such as the nuclear arms race, covert operations, and geopolitical shifts. Its popularity and widespread distribution cemented Skousen's reputation as a leading voice articulating the perceived threats of communism and offering a robust defense of American values.