Top 10 Best Books by William F. Buckley
William F. Buckley Jr. was a towering figure in American conservative thought, known for his sharp wit, eloquent prose, and deep understanding of political philosophy. His contributions to literature and political discourse have left a lasting impact. In this article, we review the top 10 books by Buckley that every reader should consider.
1. God and Man at Yale
- Features: Critique of Yale’s educational philosophy, emphasis on traditional values.
- Published: 1951
- Pages: 208
Pros: Insightful analysis, engaging writing style.
Cons: Somewhat dated in its references.
Price: $14.99
Link: Buy on Amazon
Summary: Buckley’s debut book that critiques the liberal teachings of his alma mater, Yale University, and advocates for a return to traditional values.
2. Up from Liberalism
- Features: Examination of liberalism, defense of conservatism.
- Published: 1959
- Pages: 224
Pros: Thought-provoking arguments, eloquent prose.
Cons: May not resonate with all readers.
Price: $10.51
Link: Buy on Amazon
Summary: A compelling critique of liberal ideology, advocating for conservative principles and values in modern society.
3. The Unmaking of a Mayor
- Features: Detailed account of the New York City mayoral election.
- Published: 1966
- Pages: 256
Pros: Insightful political analysis, engaging narrative.
Cons: Focused on a specific event, which may limit its appeal.
Price: $16.25
Link: Buy on Amazon
Summary: A critical look at the political landscape of New York City during the 1965 mayoral election, showcasing Buckley’s sharp insights and witty commentary.
4. The Jeweler’s Eye
- Features: A collection of essays on various subjects.
- Published: 1971
- Pages: 192
Pros: Diverse topics, rich language.
Cons: Some essays may feel disconnected.
Price: $8.96
Link: Buy on Amazon
Summary: A collection of essays that reflect Buckley’s thoughts on politics, culture, and society, showcasing his intellectual versatility.
5. Buckley: The Right Word
- Features: Personal anecdotes, reflections on language.
- Published: 2005
- Pages: 288
Pros: Intimate insights, masterful use of language.
Cons: May appeal primarily to Buckley fans.
Price: $14.29
Link: Buy on Amazon
Summary: A collection of essays that delve into Buckley’s love for language, filled with personal stories and reflections that reveal the man behind the pen.
6. The Reagan I Knew
- Features: Personal accounts of Ronald Reagan.
- Published: 1990
- Pages: 239
Pros: Deep insights into Reagan’s character, engaging storytelling.
Cons: Biased perspective.
Price: $9.38
Link: Buy on Amazon
Summary: An intimate portrayal of Ronald Reagan, filled with anecdotes and reflections that highlight the former president’s personality and leadership style.
7. The Last of the Good Guys
- Features: Fictional narrative, exploration of morality.
- Published: 1978
- Pages: 304
Pros: Unique storytelling, moral depth.
Cons: Less accessible for non-fiction readers.
Price: $8.19
Link: Buy on Amazon
Summary: A novel that tackles themes of morality and human experience, showcasing Buckley’s storytelling ability in a fictional format.
8. Joseph Sobran: The National Review Years, Articles from 1974 to 1991
- Features: This selection is an engaging look at the politics, culture, and mindset of the late 20th century. Covering a wide range of topics including Christianity, secular humanism, the Constitution, morality, motion pictures, books, music, liberals and liberalism, tyranny, so-called gay rights, Shakespeare, even baseball – Sobran writes with grace, eloquence, and wit. Even more important, considering these turbulent times, his penetrating and timeless insights can help us regain our sanity.”
- Published: 2012
- Pages: 216
Pros: Rich historical context, diverse viewpoints.
Cons: Lengthy for casual readers.
Price: $19.85
Link: Buy on Amazon
Summary: A comprehensive collection of articles from the National Review, providing a window into conservative thought over five decades.
9. The Very Best of Buckley
- Features: Selection of Buckley’s most notable writings.
- Published: 1998
- Pages: 256
Pros: Highlights Buckley’s wit and intelligence, great for new readers.
Cons: Lacks the depth of his full-length works.
Price: $16.99
Link: Buy on Amazon
Summary: A curated collection of Buckley’s best writings, perfect for those looking to get acquainted with his thoughts and style.
10. On the Firing Line
- Features: Dialogues with prominent figures, exploration of political issues.
- Published: 1977
- Pages: 304
Pros: Engaging interviews, diverse topics.
Cons: Some interviews may feel dated.
Price: $18.06
Link: Buy on Amazon
Summary: A collection of interviews and discussions that showcase Buckley’s sharp intellect and ability to engage with various political figures on pressing issues.
Conclusion
William F. Buckley’s works are essential reading for anyone interested in American conservatism and political philosophy. From his critiques of liberalism to his engaging narratives, these ten books provide a comprehensive overview of Buckley’s thoughts and contributions to American literature and politics.