NationStates Jolt Archive

Of all the books on poilitics, political theory, political philosophy, etc... floating around the vast ocean of knowledge; which are your personal favorites?

I just purchased Aristotle, Plato, The Communist Manifesto, Common Sense, The Prince, The Art of War (Sun-tzu), Utopia, The Second Treatise of Government, The Social Contract, Rights of Man, America (John Stewart), & a couple of books from Noam Chomsky!!! Once I've read them all, in about a year, I'll let y'all know which I liked best! :)

Of all the books on poilitics, political theory, political philosophy, etc... floating around the vast ocean of knowledge; which are your personal favorites?

I just purchased Aristotle, Plato, The Communist Manifesto, Common Sense, The Prince, The Art of War (Sun-tzu), Utopia, The Second Treatise of Government, The Social Contract, Rights of Man, America (John Stewart), & a couple of books from Noam Chomsky!!! Once I've read them all, in about a year, I'll let y'all know which I liked best! :)
As long as you're bying an entire library, why not include Democracy In America, by Alexis de Toqueville?

Of all the books on poilitics, political theory, political philosophy, etc... floating around the vast ocean of knowledge; which are your personal favorites?



The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith
On Liberty by John Stuart Mill
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein
Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Island by Aldous Huxley
Point Counter Point by Aldous Huxley
Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau


In what sense is the word "theory" being used?

Fear and loathing on the campaign trail by Hunter S Thompson

The Culture of Fear, Barry Glassner
Blowback, Chalmers Johnson
The Politics of War, Walter Karp
Anything by Molly Ivins
The Middle Mind, Curtis White
The Best Democracy Money Can Buy, Greg Palast
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, Bethany McLean & Peter Elkind
Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do: The Absurdity of Consensual Crimes in a Free Society, Peter MacWilliams
What Liberal Media?, Eric Alterman
The Death of Right and Wrong, Tammy Bruce
Guns, Germs & Steel, Jared Diamond
A People's History of the United States, Dr. Howard Zinn
I'd recommend subscribing to Harper's as well. Lots of shorter works, essays, stuff like that, for far cheaper than picking up the issue by itself every month.


My two cents.

With a Happy Eye, But... George Will
Suddnely: The American Idea Abroad and at Home- George Will
Diplomacy- Henry Kissinger
Mein Kampf-Adolf Hitler (Read this only if you're not easily bored and have a lot of time.)
The Wealth and Poverty of Nations: Why some are so Rich and others so Poor- I forget the author
The Woven Figure: Conservatism and America's Fabric-George Will

Animal Farm
Wealth of Nations
The Great Gatsby (sorry, thats just a good book)

P. J. O'Rourke - Parliament Of Whores