Brad Delong
Economist and professor specializing in macroeconomics and economic history.
28 books recommended
1984
George Orwell
A dystopian novel that explores the dangers of totalitarianism, surveillance, and state control.
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
Thomas S. Kuhn
Introduces the concept of paradigm shifts in science, explaining how scientific progress occurs through revolutionary changes in fundamental theories.
The Road to Wigan Pier
George Orwell
Orwell’s exploration of poverty and class disparities in Northern England, blending social commentary with memoir.
The Wealth and Poverty of Nations
David S. Landes
Examines the factors that have contributed to the economic disparities between nations throughout history.
Plagues and Peoples
William McNeill
A historical analysis of how infectious diseases have shaped societies, cultures, and economies.
The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money
John Maynard Keynes
A foundational text in macroeconomics, introducing concepts like government intervention to stabilize the economy.
The Road to Serfdom
F. A. Hayek
Argues against government control in the economy, advocating for individual freedom and market-driven solutions.
The Second Sex
Simone de Beauvoir
A foundational feminist text analyzing the history and oppression of women and advocating for liberation.
The Great Transformation
Karl Polanyi
Analyzes the development of market economies and the impact of industrialization on society.
Homage to Catalonia
George Orwell
Orwell’s memoir of his experiences fighting in the Spanish Civil War, offering insights into politics and the nature of war.
The New Class
Milovan Djilas
Analyzes the rise of bureaucratic elites in communist societies, providing a critical perspective on political power.
Orientalism
Edward W. Said
Critiques Western perceptions of Eastern societies, exploring how cultural biases shape understanding and power dynamics.
The Reproduction of Mothering
Nancy J. Chodorow
A psychoanalytic exploration of mother-child relationships and the formation of gender identity.
Revolution in Time
David S. Landes
Explores the history of timekeeping and the impact of accurate time measurement on society and industry.
The End of Ideology
Daniel Bell
Analyzes political thought in the 20th century, proposing that ideological conflicts were diminishing in influence.
Bankers and Pashas
David S. Landes
Examines the European influence in Egypt during the 19th century, focusing on the politics of finance and modernization.
The Economic Consequences of Peace
John Maynard Keynes
Analysis of the post-WWI economic impacts of the Treaty of Versailles.
The End of Laissez-Faire
John Maynard Keynes
Critique of laissez-faire economics and arguments for government intervention.
Social Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy
Barrington Moore
Analysis of factors contributing to political systems across societies.
The Machiavellian Moment
J.G.A. Pocock
Exploration of republicanism and political thought from Machiavelli to modern times.
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