3.74 avg rating — 7,269 ratings

"Burke lays out and defends the central emphasis of true conservatism: Never apply abstract principles without reference to human nature, the lessons of history, and tradition."

4.13 avg rating — 1,742 ratings

"Kirk provides a wonderful survey and exposition of the development of traditionalist conservative thought, beginning with Burke."

3.82 avg rating — 3,686 ratings

"Sen. Goldwater provides a nuts-and-bolts application of conservative principles within the U.S. political context."

4.20 avg rating — 331 ratings

"A great survey of the history of modern conservatism. Read this to avoid the mistake of divorcing this philosophy from its historical context."

4.16 avg rating — 2,883 ratings

"Hayek provides a masterful positive statement of the consequentialist approach to liberty, as well as closely-argued responses to arguments advanced by adherents of collectivistic systems."

3.90 avg rating — 15,106 ratings

"This book is important for many reasons, but what I value most about it is Friedman's statement and defense of the "principle of subsidiarity." A wonderful response to all sorts of arguments for economic and social planning."

4.22 avg rating — 9,504 ratings

"In this book, the Friedmans apply the principles of free-market capitalism to real-life economic issues, in the process clearly demonstrating why a free-market system is the only system which can bring economic progress."

4.10 avg rating — 41,982 ratings

"Historically, this collection of essays has been recognized as the most thorough argument for and exposition of the United States Constitution. You cannot avoid errors in constitutional interpretation without keeping this volume handy as a commentary."

3.96 avg rating — 1,572 ratings

"This book may seem out of place, since it is more theological in nature than the others on this list. Nevertheless, this collection of essays provides a rock-solid foundation and closely-reasoned arguments for socially-conservative positions on marriage- and family-related issues."

3.86 avg rating — 246 ratings

"Buchanan hits a number of topics in this book, but he is at his best when refuting the current "interventionist" foreign policy of the United States and the arguments of free-traders, setting forth instead solid arguments for non-interventionism and protectionist trade policies."