Book description
"Ricks knocks it out of the park with this jewel of a book. On every page I learned something new. Read it every night if you want to restore your faith in our country." â James Mattis, General, U.S. Marines (ret.) & 26th Secretary of DefenseÂ
Now in paperback, PulitzerâŠ
Why read it?
1 author picked First Principles as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Ricks unpacks the educational origins of the "Founding Generationâs" ideological orientation in this highly readable volume.
The classical underpinnings of American representative democracy and its notions of public virtue in ancient Greece and Rome are examined very carefully. He makes a compelling case for classical rather than English or Enlightenment political influence as the determining factor in our political development. He also implies an unfavorable comparison with the present and the lack of virtue he sees as evident in our public life. The book is a tonic for our political times.
One irritating element, however, is Ricksâs insistence on includingâŠ
From David's list on read if you love Howard Zinn's A People's History Of the United States.
If you love First Principles...
Aggressor
It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.
The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to runâŠ
Want books like First Principles?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 67 books like First Principles.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,272
readers submitted
so far, will you?
đ If you like First Principles, you might also like...
The Year Mrs. Cooper Got Out More
The coastal tourist town of Great Wharf, Maine, boasts a crime rate so low you might suspect someoneâs lying.
Nevertheless, jobless empty nester Mallory Cooper has become increasingly reclusive and fearful. Careful to keep the red wine handy and loath to leave the house, Mallory misses her happier selfâand soâŠ
That First Heady Burn
Donât mess with the hotheadâor he might just mess with you. Slater Ibåñez is only interested in two kinds of guys: the ones he wants to punch, and the ones he sleeps with. Things get interesting when they start to overlap. A freelance investigator, Slater trolls the dark side ofâŠ
