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.

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Aggressor by FX Holden,

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 run…

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