Book Reviews

Hey--I sometimes read something other than economics! Here are some books I've read recently, along with my own 5-star rating system.

Non-Fiction

No God But God: The Origins, Evolution and Future of Islam. Reza Alan (2006).
***** A very enlightening book. I've summarized what I thought were some of the key points here commentary (although, this does not do justice to the detail provided in the book).

1215: The Year of the Magna Carta. Danny Danziger and John Gillingham (2003).
*** In 1215, rebel barrons forced King John to sign this famous document that arguably laid the foundation for all future (western) constitutional governments. The book explores what it was like to be alive at that time (religion, power, fashion, food, education, medicine, and of course, sex). A fun read.

Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation. Joseph J. Ellis (2000).
**** A look at six fascinating episodes in early American history: Hamilton and Burr's deadly duel; Washington's precedent-setting Farewell Address; Adams' administration and political partnership with his wife Abigal; the debate about where to place the capital; Franklin's attempt to force Congress to confront the issue of slavery and Madison's attempt to block him; and Jefferson's and Adams' famous correspondence.

The Worldly Philosophers: The Lives, Times, and Ideas of the Great Economic Thinkers (7th edition). Robert L. Heilbroner (1999).
**** Read about the truly great ones: Adam Smith, Thomas Malthus, David Ricardo, Karl Marx, Thorstein Veblen, John Maynard Keynes, and Joseph Schumpeter.

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World. Jack Weatherford (2004).
***** I came away from this book with a new appreciation for Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire. Genghis Khan emerged from the humblest of beginnings, born about as low as you can get within a small group of people known as the Mongols. How he arose to power is an amazing story. The Mongols were virtually invincible in battle and Genghis proved to be an enlightened and innovative ruler. One of the most entertaining books I've ever read.

What a Way to Go. Geoffrey Abbott (2007).
* I picked this one up on a whim at some airport. An account of all the different ways in which people were executed over time (and the type of crimes subject to execution). Not a great scholarly work, but kind of interesting nevertheless. Not recommended for those with a weak stomach.

The Jesus Papers. Michael Baigent (2006).
*** From one of the co-authors of Holy Blood, Holy Grail. There is much not to like about this book, but if you hold your nose to the sections devoted to the author's conspiracy theory, the book provides an interesting (and not implausible) account of the political world around the time of Jesus.

Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. James M. McPherson (1988).
**** A must read for anyone interested in learning about the U.S. Civil War (1861-1865).

Panzer Leader. General Heinz Guderian (1996).
**** A fascinating memoir written by the architect of Germany's fabled Panzer Corps.

Gulag: A History. Anne Applebaum (2003).
**** A depressing account of a shameful episode in human history.

The God Delusion. Richard Dawkins (2006).
*** Sometimes over the top in his condemnation of religion; but an interesting read nevertheless.

Lincoln: A Life of Purpose and Power. Richard Carwardine (2007).
*** Not the best biography on Lincoln I've read; but still a good read about a truly remarkable man.


Fiction

Other People's Money. Jerome Weidman (1967).
** A story about an orphan's rise to riches. Cast in New York in the first half of the twentieth century. Rather pedestrian, but if you're short on reading material...

Don Quixote. Cervantes (translated and abridged by Walter Starkie).
**** My Spanish friends laugh at me, but I enjoyed it.