Reviews
Economics, History, Reviews
The Financial Programs of Alexander Hamilton, by a Farmer’s Daughter by Dianne L. Durante
Raymond C. Niles October 22, 2021
Despite some of Hamilton’s surprising errors, such as his support for mercantilism, his programs prevented the new republic from floundering, as Dianne Durante has shown. Hamilton is worthy of our admiration, and so is Dr. Durante for having done such a fine job of bringing Hamilton and his policies to life.
Arts & Culture, Reviews
Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland
Andreea Mincu September 24, 2021
By explaining how one can create good art via hard work and rational processes, “Art & Fear” dispels myths of inborn talent and mystical inspiration, and it encourages artists to cultivate skills, just as in any other profession.
History, Politics & Rights, Reviews
A Profile of Hong Kong by Bruce Herschensohn
Timothy Sandefur September 17, 2021
Written in the final days of his life, as Herschensohn learned of the arrests of brave friends, A Profile of Hong Kong was left unfinished, and it ends on a tragic note, with a run-on sentence that reads like a wail of grief.
Arts & Culture, Good Living, Reviews
Touching the Art: A Guide to Enjoying Art at a Museum by Luc Travers
Angelica Walker-Werth September 3, 2021
In an easy-to-read, seventy-four-page volume, Travers relays his approach to art appreciation: You don’t connect with an artwork by learning which period it’s from or who painted it. Rather, you connect with an artwork by immersing yourself in it and finding personal connections with its characters and themes.
Arts & Culture, Reviews
Free Guy, Written by Matt Lieberman and Zak Penn
Thomas Walker-Werth September 2, 2021
The bulk of Free Guy is propelled by a compelling, original story (a rare thing in today’s movie landscape) with well-written, well-acted characters and a powerful theme, as well as a delightful dose of humor.
Economics, Politics & Rights, Reviews
Where Have All the Capitalists Gone? Essays in Moral Political Economy by Richard M. Salsman
Robert Begley August 25, 2021
Anyone interested in philosophy, politics, or economics will benefit from reading Where Have All the Capitalists Gone? It is an important and accessible explanation of capitalism, which clearly shows why it is the only social system for a free and prosperous future.
Arts & Culture, Reviews
State of Fear by Michael Crichton
F. F. Mormanni August 12, 2021
Throughout State of Fear, Michael Crichton artfully incorporates real-life academic sources, graphs, and other research, slowly piecing together his own thoughts about global warming and comparing these with commonly held beliefs.
Arts & Culture, Reviews
O. Henry: 101 Stories, edited by Ben Yagoda
Timothy Sandefur August 11, 2021
The special glow of O. Henry's prose and the magic of his plots show us the world as it should be—and almost bring it within reach.
Arts & Culture, Reviews
Loki, Created by Michael Waldron
Thomas Walker-Werth July 19, 2021
The characters in Loki who take a stand against the villainous Time Variance Authority are always clear that they are fighting for free will and defending people’s rights to make their own decisions.
Arts & Culture, Reviews
Two Complete Novels of the American West: Hot Iron and The Time It Never Rained by Elmer Kelton
F. F. Mormanni July 15, 2021
Texas novelist Elmer Kelton’s West is a vivid, authentic world—one in which farmers struggle to keep their land, ranchers work backbreaking hours to support their families, cowboys explore the depths of the wilderness, and people make difficult but admirable choices in the face of adversity.