A unique account from behind the scenes of the case that rocked the media world - and the billionaire mastermind behind it

Conspiracy theories are legion. Conspiracies are rare. And of the few that do exist, fewer are ever discovered, let alone explained. This story is the exception. In 2016, media giant Gawker was forced to declare bankruptcy after a $140 million dollar judgment in court over an illegally recorded sex tape of Hulk Hogan. The case was no accident: it was the result of a nearly decade-long plot masterminded by Facebook and Paypal billionaire Peter Thiel. With exclusive access to all the key players, Ryan Holiday takes us behind the scenes of this extraordinary and at times surreal story, and transforms the events into both a dissection of that controversial methodology - conspiracy - and an eye-opening cautionary tale on the use, abuse and consequences of power and secrecy in the modern age.

"This book is the Art of War for any 21st century conspirator... a brilliant meditation on strategy, with numerous lessons" - The 48 Laws of Power

"This is a fantastic read about two thoroughly dislikeable men." - Sunday Times

"Gripping narrative - Holiday has written one helluva page-turner." - New York Times

"Riveting...an astonishing modern media conspiracy...that is a fantastic read. Holiday is a fine writer. He brilliantly elucidates... [with] a reporter's eye for detail." - The Sunday Times

"Every one of Ryan Holiday's books is appointment reading for me. If he writes it, I make the time to read it." - Billions

"Praise for Ryan Holiday: 'Holiday is part Machiavelli, part Ogilvy, and all results" - The 4-Hour Workweek

"Holiday is one of his generation's finest thinkers" - The War of Art