- Josh Lewis
Episode 36 - Books Every Conservative Should Read
Updated: May 11, 2020
Saving Elephants has got your summer reading list covered! In this episode Josh walks through classic, foundational books that every conservative should read, as well as some great books that speak to Millennials in particular. Ranging from pithy and digestible to massive, complex, and dry, Josh gives a brief outline of the book and shares why it’s important to understanding conservatism.
While summer is traditionally reserved for light reading, it can also be the perfect time of year to tear into something quite challenging. Reading hard books—if they’re good books—can sharpen our minds and develop our character. Even reading of people with strong character can develop our character. As Russell Kirk put it, “Reading of great lives does something to make decent lives.”
Here is the list of the books and authors referenced throughout the episode.
Edmund Burke, British statesman and the “Father of Conservatism”:
Reflections on the Revolution in France
Russell Kirk, political theorist, moralist, historian, social critic, and literary critic:
Barry Goldwater, Senator and 1964 Republican nominee for president:
Roger Scruton, English philosopher:
Irving Kristol, journalist and the “Godfather of Neoconservatism”:
Patrick Deneen, political theorist:
Thomas Sowell, economist and social theorist:
Black Rednecks and White Liberals
Jonah Goldberg, columnist, author, commentator, podcaster:
Timothy Carney, journalist and editor:
Ben Sasse, Senator:
Joseph Sternberg, journalist:
C. S. Lewis, author, theologian, professor:
And here are some other great books that I didn’t have time to get through in the podcast but are still worth a read:
The Essential Russell Kirk arranged by George Panichas
The Great Debate by Yuval Levin
The Price of Greatness by Jay Cost
Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
John Adams by David McCullough
The Selfie Vote by Kristen Soltis Anderson