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Politics

A History of Political Theory by George Sabine. 775 pages. A good survey of Western political theory, characterized by analysis in terms of fundamentals, and by sweeping generalizations which are correct at best, and provocative at worst. He understands the difference between classical and seventeenth-century political theory in terms of collectivism vs. individualism (which is good). However, he is weak on Locke and the eighteenth century theory (he is sympathetic to the attacks on Locke). The book is quite good in terms of clarity and style. Quite readable. (out-of-print, see sources.)
Neoconservatism, An Obituary for an Idea by C. Bradley Thompson, with Yaron Brook.
An obituary so soon! Surely the reports of neoconservatism's death are greatly exaggerated. C. Bradley Thompson has written (with Yaron Brook) the most comprehensive and original analysis of neoconservatism yet published and in the process has dealt it a mortal blow. Neoconservatism: An Obituary for an Idea reveals publicly for the first time what the neocons call their philosophy of governance--their plan for governing America. This book explicates the deepest philosophic principles of neoconservatism, traces the intellectual relationship between the political philosopher Leo Strauss and contemporary neoconservative political actors, and provides a trenchant critique of neoconservatism from the perspective of America's founding principles. The theme of this timely book--neoconservatism as a species of anti-Americanism--will shake up the intellectual salons of both the Left and Right. What makes this book so compelling is that Thompson actually lived for many years in the Straussian/neoconservative intellectual world. Neoconservatism therefore fits into the "breaking ranks" tradition of scholarly criticism and breaks the mold when it comes to informed, incisive, nonpartisan critique of neoconservative thought and action. (publisher's description)

This book is a must-read for all Americans interested in defending the founding fathers vision of a free and just society. --Glenn Beck

A novel and riveting account. . .that traces a tight arc from Leo Strauss through Irving Kristol to the daily travails of Washington politics. --Richard Epstein, University of Chicago

C. Bradley Thompson and Yaron Brook delve deeply into the origin, arc, and current nature of the neoconservative movement in the United States. Brilliant, deep, and told with authority. --Thom Hartmann, Air America Radio Network host

George Washington, by Gilbert Stuart

Rome, in the Age of Constantine, a detail of the reconstruction model by I. Gismondi in the Museum of Roman Civilization.