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Jefferson's Empire
by Peter S. Onuf • 2000
An empire built on consent that required conquest: the paradox at the core of American identity.
3.56
57
Jefferson's Empire Summary
Jefferson's Empire 92%
An empire built on consent that required conquest: the paradox at the core of American identity.
by Peter S. Onuf 2000
3.56
57 ratings
First Principles
by Thomas E. Ricks • 2020
Locke and Montesquieu get the credit. America's founders were actually reading Cicero and Cato.
4.06
4k+
First Principles Summary
First Principles 91%
Locke and Montesquieu get the credit. America's founders were actually reading Cicero and Cato.
by Thomas E. Ricks 2020
4.06
4k+ ratings
The Five Thousand Year Leap
by W. Cleon Skousen • 1981
The principles that compressed 5,000 years of political trial into a single working republic.
4.27
7k+
The Five Thousand Year Leap Summary
The Five Thousand Year Leap 90%
The principles that compressed 5,000 years of political trial into a single working republic.
by W. Cleon Skousen 1981
4.27
7k+ ratings
Thomas Jefferson
by Jon Meacham • 2012
How the Declaration's author became the most quietly effective politician of the founding era.
4.05
43k+
Thomas Jefferson Summary
Thomas Jefferson 90%
How the Declaration's author became the most quietly effective politician of the founding era.
by Jon Meacham 2012
4.05
43k+ ratings
American Sphinx
by Joseph J. Ellis • 1997
Jefferson's greatest invention was a mind in which freedom and slavery never had to meet.
3.94
29k+
American Sphinx Summary
American Sphinx 90%
Jefferson's greatest invention was a mind in which freedom and slavery never had to meet.
by Joseph J. Ellis 1997
3.94
29k+ ratings
Keeping the Republic
by Mitch Daniels • 2011
A governor's playbook for cutting debt and restoring self-reliance, minus the Washington fantasies.
4.02
252
Keeping the Republic Summary
Keeping the Republic 90%
A governor's playbook for cutting debt and restoring self-reliance, minus the Washington fantasies.
by Mitch Daniels 2011
4.02
252 ratings
The Conservative Sensibility
by George F. Will • 2019
The Founders built a limited republic. Progressives turned it into an engine of expansion.
4.11
1k+
The Conservative Sensibility Summary
The Conservative Sensibility 89%
The Founders built a limited republic. Progressives turned it into an engine of expansion.
by George F. Will 2019
4.11
1k+ ratings
A Necessary Evil
by Garry Wills • 1999
The Constitution was built for action, not gridlock. How Americans came to believe otherwise.
3.78
196
A Necessary Evil Summary
A Necessary Evil 89%
The Constitution was built for action, not gridlock. How Americans came to believe otherwise.
by Garry Wills 1999
3.78
196 ratings
Our Declaration
by Danielle S. Allen • 2014
The Declaration's forgotten argument: equality is the only real shield against domination.
3.83
888
Our Declaration Summary
Our Declaration 89%
The Declaration's forgotten argument: equality is the only real shield against domination.
by Danielle S. Allen 2014
3.83
888 ratings
It Is Dangerous to Be Right When the Government Is Wrong
by Andrew P. Napolitano • 2011
Government doesn't give you your rights; it just punishes anyone who proves it.
4.26
261
It Is Dangerous to Be Right When the Government Is Wrong Summary
It Is Dangerous to Be Right When the Government Is Wrong 89%
Government doesn't give you your rights; it just punishes anyone who proves it.
by Andrew P. Napolitano 2011
4.26
261 ratings
Common Sense
by Thomas Paine • 1776
A plain argument that kings and birthright are frauds, and America must walk away now.
4.00
40k+
Common Sense Summary
Common Sense 89%
A plain argument that kings and birthright are frauds, and America must walk away now.
by Thomas Paine 1776
4.00
40k+ ratings
The New Road to Serfdom
by Daniel Hannan • 2010
Europe's centralized model killed jobs, silenced voters, and shrank families. America is next.
4.03
657
The New Road to Serfdom Summary
The New Road to Serfdom 89%
Europe's centralized model killed jobs, silenced voters, and shrank families. America is next.
by Daniel Hannan 2010
4.03
657 ratings
Rights of Man, Common Sense and Other Political Writings
by Thomas Paine • 1776
Rights aren't gifts from kings. Government works for you, and when it fails, you replace it.
4.02
521
Rights of Man, Common Sense and Other Political Writings Summary
Rights of Man, Common Sense and Other Political Writings 89%
Rights aren't gifts from kings. Government works for you, and when it fails, you replace it.
by Thomas Paine 1776
4.02
521 ratings
John Adams
by David McCullough • 2001
Washington led the army, Jefferson wrote the words. Adams did the work that saved them both.
4.09
379k+
John Adams Summary
John Adams 89%
Washington led the army, Jefferson wrote the words. Adams did the work that saved them both.
by David McCullough 2001
4.09
379k+ ratings
A Simple Government
by Mike Huckabee • 2011
A former governor's plan for a government that does less, costs less, and meddles less.
3.73
302
A Simple Government Summary
A Simple Government 89%
A former governor's plan for a government that does less, costs less, and meddles less.
by Mike Huckabee 2011
3.73
302 ratings
Peace Pact
by David C. Hendrickson • 2003
Before it was a nation, America was a powder keg. The Constitution was the peace treaty.
3.36
25
Peace Pact Summary
Peace Pact 89%
Before it was a nation, America was a powder keg. The Constitution was the peace treaty.
by David C. Hendrickson 2003
3.36
25 ratings
Common Sense, The Rights of Man and Other Essential Writings
by Thomas Paine • 1776
Government is a necessary evil, rights belong to people not rulers, and monarchy is a fraud.
4.14
16k+
Common Sense, The Rights of Man and Other Essential Writings Summary
Common Sense, The Rights of Man and Other Essential Writings 89%
Government is a necessary evil, rights belong to people not rulers, and monarchy is a fraud.
by Thomas Paine 1776
4.14
16k+ ratings
The Federalist Society
by Michael Avery • 2013
The conservative capture of the courts was built by law students, not politicians.
4.29
24
The Federalist Society Summary
The Federalist Society 89%
The conservative capture of the courts was built by law students, not politicians.
by Michael Avery 2013
4.29
24 ratings
Revolutionary Characters
by Gordon S. Wood • 2006
Not demigods but Enlightenment thinkers who had to turn philosophy into a working republic.
3.96
4k+
Revolutionary Characters Summary
Revolutionary Characters 89%
Not demigods but Enlightenment thinkers who had to turn philosophy into a working republic.
by Gordon S. Wood 2006
3.96
4k+ ratings
The American Spirit
by David McCullough • 2017
Why the American past is a well to draw strength from, not a burden to escape.
4.22
7k+
The American Spirit Summary
The American Spirit 89%
Why the American past is a well to draw strength from, not a burden to escape.
by David McCullough 2017
4.22
7k+ ratings
Liberty and Tyranny
by Mark R. Levin • 2004
The Constitution was not repealed, it was reinterpreted: the conservative case for reversal.
4.17
8k+
Liberty and Tyranny Summary
Liberty and Tyranny 89%
The Constitution was not repealed, it was reinterpreted: the conservative case for reversal.
by Mark R. Levin 2004
4.17
8k+ ratings
Negro President
by Garry Wills • 2003
The math that made Jefferson president: electoral votes from people who could not vote.
3.76
285
Negro President Summary
Negro President 89%
The math that made Jefferson president: electoral votes from people who could not vote.
by Garry Wills 2003
3.76
285 ratings
The True and Only Heaven
by Christopher Lasch • 1991
Progress is exhausted; the only usable past belongs to those who doubted it.
4.36
382
The True and Only Heaven Summary
The True and Only Heaven 89%
Progress is exhausted; the only usable past belongs to those who doubted it.
by Christopher Lasch 1991
4.36
382 ratings
Against Democracy
by Jason Brennan • 2016
Voters are ignorant and participation corrupts them. The competent should rule instead.
3.68
1k+
Against Democracy Summary
Against Democracy 89%
Voters are ignorant and participation corrupts them. The competent should rule instead.
by Jason Brennan 2016
3.68
1k+ ratings
Democracy in America
by Alexis de Tocqueville • 1835
Equality built American democracy—and made majority rule the new despotism.
4.05
27k+
Democracy in America Summary
Democracy in America 89%
Equality built American democracy—and made majority rule the new despotism.
by Alexis de Tocqueville 1835
4.05
27k+ ratings
A More Perfect Constitution
by Larry J. Sabato • 2007
Twenty-three fixes for a rusty Constitution: bigger Congress, term limits, a state convention.
3.66
335
A More Perfect Constitution Summary
A More Perfect Constitution 89%
Twenty-three fixes for a rusty Constitution: bigger Congress, term limits, a state convention.
by Larry J. Sabato 2007
3.66
335 ratings
The Lost History of Liberalism
by Helena Rosenblatt • 2018
Liberalism was born as duty and generosity. The individual-rights version is only seventy years old.
4.04
448
The Lost History of Liberalism Summary
The Lost History of Liberalism 89%
Liberalism was born as duty and generosity. The individual-rights version is only seventy years old.
by Helena Rosenblatt 2018
4.04
448 ratings
Rights Talk
by Mary Ann Glendon • 1991
American law won't require you to rescue a drowning stranger. That gap explains our broken politics.
4.06
124
Rights Talk Summary
Rights Talk 89%
American law won't require you to rescue a drowning stranger. That gap explains our broken politics.
by Mary Ann Glendon 1991
4.06
124 ratings
The Great Debate
by Yuval Levin • 2013
Burke and Paine split over human nature and justice. Their argument became right and left.
3.87
1k+
The Great Debate Summary
The Great Debate 89%
Burke and Paine split over human nature and justice. Their argument became right and left.
by Yuval Levin 2013
3.87
1k+ ratings
The Original Compromise
by David Brian Robertson • 2012
Shared ideals didn't build it. Raw bargains, evasions, and a tragic deal on slavery did.
3.86
35
The Original Compromise Summary
The Original Compromise 89%
Shared ideals didn't build it. Raw bargains, evasions, and a tragic deal on slavery did.
by David Brian Robertson 2012
3.86
35 ratings
The Great Agnostic
by Susan Jacoby • 2013
The man who drew thousands to hear him speak: why America forgot Robert Ingersoll.
4.04
720
The Great Agnostic Summary
The Great Agnostic 88%
The man who drew thousands to hear him speak: why America forgot Robert Ingersoll.
by Susan Jacoby 2013
4.04
720 ratings
Abraham Lincoln, Philosopher Statesman
by Joseph R. Fornieri • 2013
Lincoln's secret: he wrestled with eternal principles before he ever grasped for power.
4.67
6
Abraham Lincoln, Philosopher Statesman Summary
Abraham Lincoln, Philosopher Statesman 88%
Lincoln's secret: he wrestled with eternal principles before he ever grasped for power.
by Joseph R. Fornieri 2013
4.67
6 ratings
Internal Improvement
by John Lauritz Larson • 2001
Public works were meant to knit the early republic together. Private capital drew the map instead.
3.73
33
Internal Improvement Summary
Internal Improvement 88%
Public works were meant to knit the early republic together. Private capital drew the map instead.
by John Lauritz Larson 2001
3.73
33 ratings
The Federalist Papers
by Alexander Hamilton • 1788
Eighty-five essays that argued strong government is liberty's surest shield.
4.10
42k+
The Federalist Papers Summary
The Federalist Papers 88%
Eighty-five essays that argued strong government is liberty's surest shield.
by Alexander Hamilton 1788
4.10
42k+ ratings
How Democratic Is the American Constitution?
by Robert A. Dahl • 2001
No other advanced democracy ever copied our Constitution. What they all saw that we do not.
3.69
760
How Democratic Is the American Constitution? Summary
How Democratic Is the American Constitution? 88%
No other advanced democracy ever copied our Constitution. What they all saw that we do not.
by Robert A. Dahl 2001
3.69
760 ratings
The Royalist Revolution
by Eric Nelson • 2014
Americans rebelled for the king, not against him. The presidency became the crown they were denied.
4.12
116
The Royalist Revolution Summary
The Royalist Revolution 88%
Americans rebelled for the king, not against him. The presidency became the crown they were denied.
by Eric Nelson 2014
4.12
116 ratings
Tetralogue
by Timothy Williamson • 2014
A turnaround expert sees Rome's fate repeating in America and drafts a radical constitutional cure.
3.32
481
Tetralogue Summary
Tetralogue 88%
A turnaround expert sees Rome's fate repeating in America and drafts a radical constitutional cure.
by Timothy Williamson 2014
3.32
481 ratings
Why Liberalism Failed
by Patrick J. Deneen • 2018
Liberalism didn't fail despite its successes. Its successes broke it.
3.84
4k+
Why Liberalism Failed Summary
Why Liberalism Failed 88%
Liberalism didn't fail despite its successes. Its successes broke it.
by Patrick J. Deneen 2018
3.84
4k+ ratings
Founding Brothers
by Joseph J. Ellis • 2000
The American founding hung on private dinners, personal feuds, a duel, and one last letter.
3.95
48k+
Founding Brothers Summary
Founding Brothers 88%
The American founding hung on private dinners, personal feuds, a duel, and one last letter.
by Joseph J. Ellis 2000
3.95
48k+ ratings
Defeating Big Government Socialism
by Newt Gingrich • 2022
Bureaucratic socialism hollowed out America; reclaiming it takes history, civility, a long fight.
4.19
288
Defeating Big Government Socialism Summary
Defeating Big Government Socialism 88%
Bureaucratic socialism hollowed out America; reclaiming it takes history, civility, a long fight.
by Newt Gingrich 2022
4.19
288 ratings
Liberalism
by Edmund Fawcett • 2014
Liberalism is a two-century argument, not a creed: over freedom, power, and who belongs.
3.90
277
Liberalism Summary
Liberalism 88%
Liberalism is a two-century argument, not a creed: over freedom, power, and who belongs.
by Edmund Fawcett 2014
3.90
277 ratings
Liberty in the Age of Terror
by A.C. Grayling • 2009
The West answered terrorism by curtailing the very liberties it claimed to protect.
3.57
143
Liberty in the Age of Terror Summary
Liberty in the Age of Terror 88%
The West answered terrorism by curtailing the very liberties it claimed to protect.
by A.C. Grayling 2009
3.57
143 ratings
The Price of Greatness
by Jay Cost • 2018
The Constitution's coauthors split over its purpose. That rift still produces American oligarchy.
3.71
245
The Price of Greatness Summary
The Price of Greatness 88%
The Constitution's coauthors split over its purpose. That rift still produces American oligarchy.
by Jay Cost 2018
3.71
245 ratings
Life Without Lawyers
by Philip K. Howard • 2009
America didn't add too many laws. Law itself became the mindset, and common sense lost.
3.65
176
Life Without Lawyers Summary
Life Without Lawyers 88%
America didn't add too many laws. Law itself became the mindset, and common sense lost.
by Philip K. Howard 2009
3.65
176 ratings
Tocqueville
by Harvey C. Mansfield • 2007
Tocqueville saw democracy's rise as inevitable, but warned of two quiet threats. A compact guide.
3.51
157
Tocqueville Summary
Tocqueville 88%
Tocqueville saw democracy's rise as inevitable, but warned of two quiet threats. A compact guide.
by Harvey C. Mansfield 2007
3.51
157 ratings
The Age of Reason
by Thomas Paine • 1794
God's word is the universe, not a book. Everything else is hearsay passed off as revelation.
4.12
9k+
The Age of Reason Summary
The Age of Reason 88%
God's word is the universe, not a book. Everything else is hearsay passed off as revelation.
by Thomas Paine 1794
4.12
9k+ ratings
The Ideological Origins of American Federalism
by Alison L. LaCroix • 2010
American federalism was born of protest, not design; courts enforce it since the convention refused.
3.52
31
The Ideological Origins of American Federalism Summary
The Ideological Origins of American Federalism 88%
American federalism was born of protest, not design; courts enforce it since the convention refused.
by Alison L. LaCroix 2010
3.52
31 ratings
Founding Faith
by Steven Waldman • 2008
The founders wanted religious freedom not despite their faith, but because of it.
4.07
872
Founding Faith Summary
Founding Faith 88%
The founders wanted religious freedom not despite their faith, but because of it.
by Steven Waldman 2008
4.07
872 ratings
We Have Not a Government
by George William Van Cleve • 2017
State free-riding broke the first U.S. government. A debt crisis and revolt forced a grand bargain.
3.99
76
We Have Not a Government Summary
We Have Not a Government 88%
State free-riding broke the first U.S. government. A debt crisis and revolt forced a grand bargain.
by George William Van Cleve 2017
3.99
76 ratings
For a New Liberty
by Murray N. Rothbard • 1973
One moral law for governments and citizens. Apply it, and the state stands convicted.
4.28
3k+
For a New Liberty Summary
For a New Liberty 88%
One moral law for governments and citizens. Apply it, and the state stands convicted.
by Murray N. Rothbard 1973
4.28
3k+ ratings
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