Book cover of The History of Ideas: Equality, Justice and Revolution

Book description

'A splendid book: economical, invigorating and surprising' The Times

'He has that gift, both as a podcaster and as a writer, to illuminate abstruse and abstract ideas with human charm' Observer

In this bold new follow-up to Confronting Leviathan, David Runciman unmasks modern politics and reveals the great men and…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The History of Ideas as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I really appreciate David Runciman’s clear, erudite presentation of history’s legal and political thinkers—both men and women. This is my new go-to text for teaching and for reminding ourselves of the giants’ shoulders we stand on. We are invited to look critically at their ideas and engage with them in dialogue. Like his podcasts, it is a wonderfully accessible history.

From C.L.'s list on worried about democracy now.

If you love The History of Ideas...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

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Separating the true stories from the myths, The Duty of Memory provides a deeper understanding of the diverse motivations that drove ordinary people to join an underground network of French Resistants despite terrible odds and horrifying consequences.

This book takes the reader inside the true story of men and women…

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