Joe Biden’s Roadside Library

In this book, Charles C. Mann presents recent research findings that suggest human populations in the Western Hemisphere were more numerous, culturally sophisticated, and environmentally influential than previously thought. Mann argues that pre-Columbian Indians were not sparsely settled in a pristine wilderness but instead actively molded and influenced their environment. He highlights the advanced cities, such as Tenochtitlan, which had running water and clean streets, and discusses the significant impact of European diseases on Native American populations. The book challenges traditional views of Native American societies and their technological and social complexity.

This book provides a detailed and documented portrait of the Gulag, a vast array of Soviet concentration camps that held millions of political and criminal prisoners. Applebaum examines the origins of the Gulag under Lenin, its expansion under Stalin, and its eventual collapse. The book delves into the daily lives of prisoners, including their arrests, transportation, working and living conditions, and the impact of World War II on the camps. It also explores the cultural and social aspects of life within the Gulag, as well as its legacy and why it has remained relatively obscure in historical memory. The work is based on extensive research, including Soviet-era archives and personal accounts from survivors.

Michael Malice's "The New Right" delves into the complexities of the American right-wing, exploring its various factions and ideologies. The book examines the historical evolution of the movement, tracing its roots and influences. Malice analyzes key figures and their impact on the political landscape. He also discusses the role of social media and other factors in shaping the contemporary right. The book offers a critical yet insightful perspective on the American right, challenging conventional narratives and prompting further discussion.

The book examines the origin, spread, and consequences of the 1918 influenza pandemic. It traces the virus to Haskell County, Kansas, and details how it spread globally through military camps and troop movements during World War I. Barry discusses the scientific efforts to identify the pathogen, the failure to develop an effective vaccine at the time, and the significant social and political factors that exacerbated the pandemic. The book also highlights the long-term impact of the pandemic, including the revolutionary scientific discoveries that followed, such as Oswald Avery's proof that DNA carries genetic information.

The Ungovernable City: The Politics of Urban Problems and Policy Making is a book that delves into the complexities of urban governance, focusing on the political aspects of urban problems and the processes of policy making. Published in 1978, it provides insights into the challenges and dynamics of urban policy during that era.

In 'The Forgotten Man,' Amity Shlaes offers a striking reinterpretation of the Great Depression by shifting the focus from the New Deal to the moving stories of individual Americans who endured the era. The book explores the brave leadership and perseverance of common people, such as the Schechters, a family of butchers in Brooklyn, and Bill W., the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Shlaes also examines the failures of Presidents Hoover and Roosevelt in understanding the prosperity of the 1920s and the long-lasting impact of their policies. The book argues that the real question about the Depression is why it lasted so long, rather than whether Roosevelt ended it with World War II.

This book, first published in 1976 and revised in later editions, explores the development of the conservative intellectual movement in America since 1945. Nash identifies three primary strains of conservative thought: libertarianism, which resists the expansion of the state and advocates for individualism and private enterprise; traditionalism, which seeks a return to traditional religious and ethical absolutes in response to the secular and rootless mass society; and militant, evangelistic anticommunism. The book examines how these diverse streams interact and sometimes conflict, highlighting key figures such as William F. Buckley Jr. and the influence of the magazine 'National Review'. Nash's work is considered a foundational study in the field of American conservatism.

The Fifties is a comprehensive history of the decade, covering various aspects such as politics, culture, and economic developments. Halberstam profiles key figures like Eisenhower, Dulles, Oppenheimer, and Nixon, as well as influential individuals in business and culture, such as Harley Earl, Ray Kroc, and Elvis Presley. The book explores the beginnings of the Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War, the rise of fast food and mass marketing, the transformation of General Motors, and the emergence of rock and roll and the American counterculture. It also delves into significant events like the McCarthy communist witch hunts, the Korean War, and the development of the birth control pill.

Andrew Roberts’s 'Napoleon: A Life' is the first one-volume biography to fully utilize Napoleon’s 33,000 recently published letters, offering a radical transformation in our understanding of his character and motivation. The book portrays Napoleon as a protean multitasker, decisive, and surprisingly willing to forgive his enemies and his wife Josephine. Roberts, an award-winning historian, traveled to fifty-three of Napoleon’s sixty battle sites and discovered crucial new documents in archives, including a trip to St. Helena. The biography is praised for its magisterial, insightful, and beautifully written narrative, providing a deep and nuanced look at Napoleon’s life, successes, and failures.

The Gulag Archipelago is a three-volume series written by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, exploring the Soviet labour camp system through a mix of historical narrative, personal accounts, and literary investigation. The book traces the history of the Gulag from Vladimir Lenin's decrees to the era of Nikita Khrushchev, detailing the arrest, conviction, transport, and imprisonment of prisoners. It includes Solzhenitsyn's own experiences as a Gulag prisoner and accounts from other inmates, highlighting the brutal conditions, forced labor, and the psychological and physical suffering of the prisoners. The work is a testament to the human spirit's struggle against evil and serves as a comprehensive critique of the Soviet regime's use of terror against its population.

In this book, Musa al-Gharbi argues that despite the rise of a new elite who identify as allies of progressive causes such as antiracism, feminism, and LGBTQ rights, social and economic inequalities have continued to grow. These symbolic capitalists, who work primarily with words, ideas, images, and data, genuinely believe in egalitarian principles but inadvertently contribute to and perpetuate the very inequalities they oppose. The book examines how their actions and narratives often provoke backlash against the social justice causes they champion and argues that challenging these self-serving narratives is crucial for addressing social and economic inequality effectively.

This book by Alan Brinkley examines the roles of Huey Long and Father Charles Coughlin as prominent critics of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies during the Great Depression. It details their rise to national prominence, their populist and reformist agendas, and their eventual decline. Brinkley argues that these figures represented genuine popular anxieties rooted in the American experience of the Great Depression, rather than being proto-fascists. The book provides a compelling account of Long's charismatic rise and Coughlin's use of radio to mobilize support, as well as their complex relationships with Roosevelt and the broader political landscape of the time.

This book is a compilation of essays by Leo Ribuffo that delve into various aspects of American history. The essays reflect Ribuffo's broad interests, including the study of the American Right, the careers of notable figures like Henry Ford and Bruce Barton, and the history of the American Communist Party. Ribuffo's writing is characterized by its clarity, wit, and challenging perspectives, making the book both informative and engaging. The essays also highlight Ribuffo's emphasis on continuity in American history and his critique of earlier historical interpretations, particularly those of the pluralist school of thought.

This book is the first in a trilogy by Edmund Morris and details the life of Theodore Roosevelt from his birth in 1858 through to 1901. It includes his family history, his turbulent childhood illnesses, his education at Harvard, and his early involvement in politics. The biography explores Roosevelt's passion for learning, his various roles such as New York State Assemblyman, Civil Service Commissioner, New York City Police Commissioner, and Assistant Secretary of the Navy. It also covers his leadership of the Rough Riders in Cuba and his eventual rise to the Vice Presidency, setting the stage for his future as President of the United States.

In this book, Gordon S. Wood explores the radical character of the American Revolution, dividing the narrative into three parts: monarchy, republicanism, and democracy. Wood argues that the Revolution was not just a replacement of one elite group with another, but a profound transformation of American society. He examines how the Revolution's classical republican ideals gave way to broader democratic and egalitarian forces, leading to significant changes in American life, including new concepts of labor dignity, improvements in women's status, and the emergence of the first significant antislavery movement. The book also discusses how the Founding Fathers viewed the outcome of the Revolution, often with disappointment and disillusionment.

Edited by William F. Buckley Jr. and Charles R. Kesler, this book compiles twenty-six essays that delve into the core principles and challenges of American conservative thought. The essays cover topics such as the role of the state, the impact of liberalism, and other matters central to conservative ideology. The book is a significant contribution to the discourse on American conservatism, reflecting the editorial expertise of both Buckley and Kesler.

In 'The Culture of Narcissism', Christopher Lasch presents a psychological and cultural synthesis that examines the normalization of pathological narcissism in 20th-century American culture. Lasch argues that since World War II, America has produced a personality type consistent with clinical definitions of narcissistic personality disorder. He locates symptoms of this disorder in various aspects of American life, including radical political movements, spiritual cults, and the broader cultural shifts of the 1960s and 1970s. The book critiques the erosion of family and community structures, the rise of consumerism, and the impact of technological advancements on social relationships. Lasch's work is a comprehensive diagnosis of American culture, predicting the expansion of narcissistic tendencies into all aspects of American life.

In this book, William E. Leuchtenburg provides a detailed examination of Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency and the enduring impact of his policies and programs on American society. The book covers the New Deal era, Roosevelt's leadership during World War II, and the significant changes he brought to the role of the federal government. Leuchtenburg's work is characterized by its thorough research and balanced perspective, making it a valuable resource for understanding one of the most influential periods in American history.

In 'American Midnight,' Adam Hochschild delves into the untold history of World War I in the United States, focusing on how the government and society responded to the war. The book explores the suppression of dissent, the rise of xenophobia, and the violent crackdown on civil liberties during this period. Hochschild examines the broader implications of these events on American democracy and society.

In 'The Age of Reform,' Richard Hofstadter examines the Populist and Progressive movements, challenging the traditional views of these reform traditions. He introduces concepts such as 'status politics' and critiques the progressive historians' reduction of politics to economic interests. The book explores the psychological and social roots of political attitudes and behavior, particularly in the context of the rise of large corporations and the changing social and economic conditions post-Civil War. Hofstadter's work has been influential in reshaping the understanding of these movements, although some of his interpretations have been contested by later historians.

This book is a compilation of approximately 50 essays by Irving Kristol, spanning seven decades. Edited by his wife, Gertrude Himmelfarb, it covers a wide range of topics including democracy, culture, capitalism, conservatism, foreign policy, and religion. The essays reflect Kristol's distinctive intellectual sensibility and his role as a central figure in shaping neoconservative thought. The collection is organized chronologically and includes autobiographical memoirs, offering a comprehensive view of Kristol's intellectual journey and the development of neoconservatism.

In this book, Paul Johnson provides an in-depth historical analysis of the 20th century, starting from the aftermath of World War I and ending with the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe. The book covers significant events such as the rise of totalitarian regimes, the impacts of World War I and II, the Cold War, and the influence of religion and ideology on politics and society. Johnson also explores major scientific and technological advancements and their effects on human perception and behavior. The book is written from a conservative perspective and has been praised for its profound influence on intellectual thinking.

In '1920: The Year of the Six Presidents,' David Pietrusza provides a riveting and detailed narrative of the 1920 presidential election. The book explores the extraordinary events and political maneuvers that resulted in six different individuals either holding the office of the President or claiming the presidency during that year. Pietrusza's work is praised for its engaging and insightful portrayal of this pivotal moment in American history.

This biography by John B. Judis follows the life and times of William F. Buckley, Jr., a key figure in the modern conservative movement. Buckley was the founder of the National Review and the host of the public affairs program Firing Line for over 30 years. The book explores his significant influence on American politics, including his impact on politicians such as Ronald Reagan and Barry Goldwater.

In this book, Erik von Kuehnelt-Leddihn provides an in-depth analysis of European society, history, and politics, aiming to bridge the gap between American and European perspectives. The book explores various themes such as the differences between high and low culture, social mobility, the impact of capitalism and Protestantism, and the historical divisions within Europe. It also addresses the misunderstandings between Anglo-Saxons and Continentals and the implications of these differences on foreign policy and social structures.

In this book, Joshua Muravchik provides a comprehensive history of socialism, from its early theorists to its global implementations and eventual collapse. He argues that socialism was an attempt to supplant religion with a scientific doctrine, but it consistently failed to deliver on its promises of abundance and the creation of a 'New Man'. The book also examines the 'afterlife' of socialism, noting its resurgence in popularity despite its historical failures. Muravchik delves into the stories of key thinkers and leaders, as well as experiments like the kibbutz, to explain why socialism spread so widely and why it ultimately failed.

This book delves into the intellectual and cultural history of late 19th- and early 20th-century America, focusing on the lives and ideas of four key figures: Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., William James, Charles Sanders Peirce, and John Dewey. It explores how these thinkers, associated with the informal 'Metaphysical Club' in Cambridge, Massachusetts, contributed to the development of pragmatism. The book also examines the broader social and historical context, including the impact of the American Civil War and the emergence of new scientific disciplines like statistics and evolutionary biology. Menand's work is praised for its detailed biographical accounts and its insightful analysis of how these thinkers shaped modern American thought.

This book offers a comprehensive history of the United States from the Battle of New Orleans to the end of the Mexican–American War. It explores the political, social, economic, and cultural changes during this period, including the rise of mass political parties, the impact of new communication and transportation technologies, and the influence of religious movements such as the Second Great Awakening. The book also delves into the roles of key figures like Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams, and it highlights the intersection of politics, religion, and social reform movements, including women's rights and abolition.

This book tells the story of American reform from the years following the Civil War, fueled by industrialization and urbanization. It focuses on the lives of dissenters, including Populist and Progressive movements, their political organizations, popular support, and the role of newspapers. Goldman illustrates how reform groups often formed patchwork alliances and how the traditions of freedom and welfare merged in the New Deal. The book is praised for its vivid personal portraits, anecdotes, and erudition, providing a comprehensive overview of eight decades of American reform.

In this book, Erik von Kuehnelt-Leddihn presents a comprehensive critique of leftism, defining it as any movement that emphasizes 'identitarianism' (sameness) and either the total rule of the state or 'the will of the people' over individual affairs. He argues that democracy can degenerate into tyranny and that movements like Nazism and Fascism, despite being commonly seen as rightist, share leftist characteristics. The book contrasts the American Revolution with the French Revolution, highlighting the former as a republic rather than a democracy. Kuehnelt-Leddihn also discusses the dangers of egalitarianism and the coercive nature of democratic majorities, drawing on historical examples and philosophical perspectives.

The book provides a conceptual framework for understanding human history through the lens of social orders. It identifies three types of social orders: foraging order, limited access order (natural state), and open access order. The authors explain how these orders manage violence and shape economic and political development. The natural state limits violence by creating privileged interests, while open access societies foster political and economic competition through impersonal rules and institutions. The book also discusses the transition from natural states to open access societies and how this transition impacts social, economic, and political development.

In this book, Robert Nisbet presents over 70 reflections on a wide range of topics, arguing for liberty over equality, authority against permissiveness, and the importance of community linked by history, religion, and ritual. He critiques egalitarianism, environmentalism, and judicial activism, among other subjects, with a style that is both humorous and somber. Nisbet's work is characterized by his profound moral conviction and his advocacy for a society where individuals are free to improve or destroy themselves, rejecting determinism of any kind.

In this book, John Carey examines how early twentieth-century intellectuals, including writers such as George Bernard Shaw, Ezra Pound, D. H. Lawrence, E. M. Forster, Virginia Woolf, H. G. Wells, Aldous Huxley, and W. B. Yeats, conceived and wrote about the masses in disparaging terms. Carey argues that these intellectuals imagined the masses as semi-human swarms, influenced by popular culture, and often advocated for elitist and exclusionary views. The book critiques the modernist movement as a reaction against the rise of mass culture and literacy, suggesting that modernist writers deliberately made their work inaccessible to the masses to preserve their intellectual seclusion.