Learning is something I’m hugely passionate about - whether self-directed or formal, I believe in the importance of growing, expanding and changing one’s mind as often as possible. This website is devoted to the books I read each week. Find the completed list on Weeks and a place for the future (and your suggestions) below.

Reading List

These are books I mean to read on the sooner side of things, but it doesn’t mean something else won’t spark my fancy first.

War and Peace (Pevear & Volokhonsky translation)

Eichmann in Jerusalem by Hannah Arendt

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (Robin Hard translation)

The German Genius by Peter Watson — I lived in Germany for two years, and a great friend recommended this or Memories of a Nation by Neil MacGregor. I read MacGregor’s book, which is significantly shorter, and was excellent. I want the extended version.

I’ve been working through the various Marine Lists for years

On War by Clausewitz — This is the seminal book on military strategy, mentioned here and there, generally in all the military texts. I’d like to understand the context surrounding these mentions.

Walter Reuther: The Most Dangerous Man in Detroit by Nelson Lichtenstein

Pushkin

A Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy by Miyamoto Musashi (translated by Victor Harris)

Working through this list from Krishna Das

Looking for more on:

Oliver P. Smith — A ballsy Marine who seems to have been unpopular with the changing military establishment post-Korea.

Marcus Garvey - searching for a good biography or annotated works

St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430)

Senator Matthew Quay — I’ve read a little about Quay’s influence in the 1888 vice president nominee process, and I would like to learn more about the “ablest politician this country has ever produced.”

Jón Steingrímsson

S. S. McClure of McClure’s Magazine