Join the Conspiracy

Join the Conspiracy (Empire State Editions) brings readers back to the late 1960s, a pivotal moment in American history marked by extreme division and intense protest. George Demmerle, a factory worker, is the focus of this story. Amidst the Vietnam War and internal strife, Demmerle’s political journey reflects the era’s radical spirit. He was involved in key protests like the March on Washington, made notable alliances, and was a leader in a Black Panther affiliate. But, Demmerle harbors a secret beneath his activism: he’s actually an FBI informant. Uncovering Demmerle’s double life through rare period documents, photos, and underground art, Jonathan Butler explores the tensions between loyalty and betrayal. Readers are given a glimpse into the wider struggle of a nation grappling with its identity during a time of immense upheaval.