Posted on 09/03/2011 2:16:51 PM PDT by ixtl
I am preparing a list for my children and grandchildren of the _____ (to be filled in) non-fiction books everyone should read. To date, I have only four, all of which I have read. In alphabetical order by author:
Charles Darwin, "On the Origin of Species by Natuarla Selectin."
Noccolo Machiavelli, "The Prince."
Sun-Tzu, "The Art of War."
H. G. Wells, "The Outline of History (1939 edition).
For the record, I am a 70+ year old retired attorney, who has always been a voarcious reader.
Criticism and suggestions are welcome.
Errrrr.... The Bible? By God?
After that, anything by Natan Shiranski.
Blackstone on the law. Not certain on tittle.
bump
As I remember, it is “Blackstone’s Commentaries on the Laws of England.”
According to one of my law professors, it had an inordinate effect on 19th Century American jurisprudence because the set was only four volumes, and would easily fit into the itinerant attorney’s saddlebags.
I read this when pretty young and it had a big impact on me.
Reread it recently and was amazed by the implied and explicit biss throughout towards socialism/fascism/eugenics, etc. which I had completely missed at the age of ten.
Still a good book, but should be read with the understanding the author is promoting a particular political ideology. Also should be counterbalanced with something more libertarian.
BTW, Wells was the originator of the phrase "liberal fascism" that made Jonah Goldberg such a big splash recently. Wells was in favor of it.
I read Skeletons, but also read Sufferings in Africa, which was Capt. Riley’s own account; I enjoyed it much more, especially because of the faith elements that are left out of Skeletons.
My favorite WWII book is “Up Front” with Bill Mauldin.
It is a classic book of war cartoons with excellent commentary.
1. The Fall of Constantinople by Steven Runciman
2. The Great Siege: Malta 1565 by Ernle Bradford
Two absolutely riveting histories made even more valuable by their brevity and readability. You won't believe these are non-fiction, and if you're looking for a book to convince someone that history is exciting, The Great Siege will certainly do the trick.
“Serial Killers Guide (How To Avoid Capture)” by Albert Fish
“Eating Souls for Fun and Profit” by Pennywise the Clown
I've read his A Walk in the Woods, about the Appalachian Trail, In a Sunburned Country, about Australia, A Short History of Nearly Everything, and part of At Home.
“Serial Killers Guide (How To Avoid Capture)” by Albert Fish
- - - - -
Absolute classic, Laz!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.