You cannot understand America without understanding American religion. Robert Putnam’s work helps to fill in the gaps.
Review: ‘Making Democracy Work’ by Robert Putnam
Robert Putnam’s stunning book on social capital in Italy helped to set him on a course which would contribute so much to how we view community and its importance to societies everywhere.
Review: ‘Our Dear-Bought Liberty’ by Michael Breidenbach
The history of Catholics in early America provides an example for how a small community can survive, prosper and influence a great nation.
The Barrytown trilogy helps us to understand how Ireland changed
Roddy Doyle’s Barrytown trilogy is outstanding, and helps to explain how Ireland changed so significantly in recent decades. This was not a sudden change, as these books and films show.
Review: ‘The Unbroken Thread’ by Sohrab Ahmari
Sohrab Ahmari’s book focuses on the wisdom and value of tradition.
Review: ‘The Politics of Heaven and Hell’ by Fr. James Schall
The well-known political philosopher Fr. Schall provided an interesting overview of the relationship between politics and religious questions.
Review: ‘Religion and the Rise of Capitalism’ by Benjamin Friedman
Religion has shaped all aspects of Western life, including economics, surprisingly.
Review: ‘Maverick’ by Jason Riley
Thomas Sowell is the greatest intellectual of our times, and this is a fantastic introduction to his work.
Review: ‘The Black Church’ by Henry Louis Gates
You cannot understand black America without understanding the religious institutions which did so much to shape its unique character.
Review: ‘The Upswing’ by Robert Putnam
Robert Putnam’s books are always insightful, and here he suggests (improbably) that America may be on course for a revival.