Despite my deep love of political history, I’ve not read any political treatises! Woe, woe is me! This month is intended to fix that gap in my knowledge.
As you may also know, the Sue Vincent Rodeo Classic is starting this month! Be prepared at ANY MOMENT for a Sue Vincent book review!
Atlas Shrugged – Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand’s philosophy of “objectivism” is one of the most important political philosophies in modern (mostly American) politics. Libertarians, especially, can point to a lot of her writing as essential. She’s cited by famous people such as Mark Cuban, Ben Shapiro, and both Pauls (Ron and Rand). Objectivism states itself to be entirely logical, which makes it really hard to argue against because believers can just claim you illogical to argue against them.
But what really is objectivism, and how did Rand develop it? That’s what this dive into a horrifyingly long book is going to be about. At least there’s supposed to be a fiction element surrounding the political!
The Communist Manifesto – Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels

What better way to follow up a libertarian, capitalist behemoth than by reading the Communist Manifesto? Partially chosen because Atlas Shrugged is so long that I worry about getting everything done in the timeframe I’ve planned for myself, the Manifesto is short and entirely focused on talking about… well, communism. At risk of getting myself put on some sort of list, I’m reading this and hoping to learn more about the world in which we live.
The Prince – Niccolo Macchiavelli

The Prince is the 16th-century political treatise on how to be a dangerous mofo and unify Italy. Most kids learn in high-school about this how-to manual for dictators and evil monarchs, but I happen to question the modern applicability of a book written so long ago. Nonetheless, important books such as these are essential to understanding our world, times, and culture.
More Reviews
Do you have a suggestion? Comments? I’m currently filled up for my review slots on the blog this year, but you can always submit a request for potential reviews on Goodreads and Amazon!
See my old reviews here
ambitious! (K)
I tried The Prince some time ago and found it hard going. Still, I think I shouldn’t always read for fun but sometimes for my education and knowledge. I’ve long threatened myself with Manifesto. One of these days . . .
To be honest, I hate almost everything, so I usually try to read either to help people, catch up with my friends, or educate myself.
I’ve read The Prince and The Communist Manifesto, both excellent treatises to read even if you don’t agree with the message. I’d also suggest Locke’s Second Treatise of Government, and if you’re feeling really ambitious Hobbes’ Leviathan. Those are two of my favorites!
I’d be more likely to read Locke, soon. I kind of want to read the Federalist Papers, too.
Federalist Papers are good, some are better than others. But overall really good
A very heavy list of books, H. I have read Anthem by Ayn Rand and I have Fountainhead on my audiobook TBR. It is 32 hours of listening so I’ve been avoiding it. I look forward to reading your reviews.
I was a bit turned off by some of the subject matter in Fountainhead. That’s why I chose Atlas Shrugged. It’s also a big boi – it’s about twice as many words as Fountainhead (and, if you read the review, you’ll probably know what’s in them).