

#2315
Mentioned in 16 episodes
All the king's men
Book • 1946
The novel follows the story of Willie Stark, a governor modeled after Huey 'Kingfish' Long, as he rises from poverty to become a powerful political figure in the Deep South.
The narrative is intertwined with the life of Jack Burden, a political reporter who becomes Stark's right-hand man.
As Stark's career unfolds, he transitions from an honest idealist to a corrupt demagogue, highlighting the corrupting influence of power.
The novel also delves into philosophical and moral questions, exploring the consequences of actions and the search for redemption.
Through Jack Burden's narrative, the book examines the complexities of human nature and the impact of political ambition on individuals and society.
The narrative is intertwined with the life of Jack Burden, a political reporter who becomes Stark's right-hand man.
As Stark's career unfolds, he transitions from an honest idealist to a corrupt demagogue, highlighting the corrupting influence of power.
The novel also delves into philosophical and moral questions, exploring the consequences of actions and the search for redemption.
Through Jack Burden's narrative, the book examines the complexities of human nature and the impact of political ambition on individuals and society.
Mentioned by
























Mentioned in 16 episodes
Mentioned by 

as a novel he read in his twenties, highlighting a quote about idealism versus reality.


Ryan Holiday

611 snips
Want To Be Successful? Be This | 15 (Stoic) Life Lessons I Wish I Knew At 20
Mentioned by 

as the author of "All the King's Men," a novel that offers insights into political power.


Ryan Holiday

259 snips
If You Want A Reason To Live Pt. II | 12 Stoic Choices To LEVEL UP Your Life TODAY
Mentioned by 

as a novel that helps understand current political situations.


Ryan Holiday

211 snips
We Must Push It Away | How To Stay Sane In An INSANE World
Recommended by Justin Garrison's wife, who said he needed to read this novel.

66 snips
René Girard and the Myths We Live By Now with Justin Garrison
Mentioned by 

as a novel that reflects on current politics.


Ryan Holiday

34 snips
Kermit Roosevelt III on Theodore Roosevelt and the Collapse of Honor (PT 1)
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

to draw a parallel between Willie Stark's electrifying speech and Trump's 2016 campaign promises.

J. Burden
30 snips
The J. Burden Show Ep. 316: Martyr Made
Mentioned by 

as a classic novel he is currently reading, about a demagogic populist leader.


Jim Himes

24 snips
Congressman Himes on Venezuela, Latin America & a Disordered World
Mentioned by 

as a novel with a character similar to Lyndon B. Johnson.


Eliot Cohen

20 snips
Shakespeare on How Leaders Rise, Rule, and Fall
Recommended by 

as one of the best books ever written, about Huey P. Long.


Peter Hitchens

18 snips
(Prince) Andrew, Useless Architects and Awful Airport Security
Mentioned by 

as a book he read in Moscow and greatly admired.


Peter Hitchens

15 snips
Episode 271: The Literary Life of Peter Hitchens
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as one of the greatest books about politics and human nature ever written.

David Harsanyi

12 snips
'You're Wrong' With Mollie Hemingway And David Harsanyi, Ep. 162: Make D.C. Safe Again
Mentioned by 

when discussing a book about Huey Long.


Jay Nordlinger

11 snips
What Remains of Conservatism | Interview: Jay Nordlinger
Described by ![undefined]()

and ![undefined]()

as an almost perfect novel with deep insights into the human condition.

Andrew Edwards

J. Burden
Pre-Apocalyptic Hope w/ Andrew Edwards: The J. Burden Show Ep. 373
Mentioned by 

when discussing the character Adam Stanton and his idealistic worldview.


Ryan Holiday

How To Live in an Imperfect World | Practice Gentleness Instead of Anger
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as an example of classic literature with an impactful line.

Tinkered Thinking

White Mirror: 31 Stories, a $1,000 Puzzle, and Sci-Fi to Reboot Your Childlike Wonder 🦾🪞📖🦋
Mentioned by 

as a timeless and brilliant novel with a haunting climax scene at the hospital.


Ryan Holiday

Those Things Don’t Matter
Mentioned by 

as possibly the best political novel ever written.


Ben Shapiro

Ep. 1559 - What Won’t The Left Do To Stop Trump?
Recommended by 

as a great book about American politics, loosely based on Huey Long.


Anne Applebaum

The crisis isn’t Trump. It’s the Republican Party.
Recommended by 

as a fantastic political novel about Huey Long.


Eliot Cohen

Shakespeare and Power
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as the book written by Robert Penn Warren, whose work influenced Burt's book on Lincoln.

John Burt

#448 - Lincoln's Tragic Pragmatism: A Dialogue with John Burt



