This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Debt

   The First 5,000 Years

   

   The book explores the historical relationship between debt, money, and social institutions, tracing the concept of debt back over 5,000 years. It challenges conventional economic theories by examining how debt has influenced social hierarchies, power dynamics, and moral principles throughout various civilizations. The author argues that debt is not merely an economic necessity but a social construct that has been used to justify inequality and exploitation. Through a blend of anthropology, history, and economics, the book provides a critical perspective on the role of debt in shaping human societies and calls for a reevaluation of modern financial systems.

   The 3600th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Dawn Of Everything

   A New History of Humanity

   

   The book challenges conventional narratives about human history, arguing that early societies were far more diverse and complex than traditionally portrayed. It explores how humans have experimented with various forms of social organization, governance, and economic systems throughout history. By examining archaeological and anthropological evidence, the authors propose that the roots of inequality and hierarchical structures are not as deeply entrenched in human nature as often believed. Instead, they suggest that humans have the capacity for a wide range of social arrangements, offering a more optimistic view of our potential for creating equitable societies.

   The 10003rd Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Bullshit Jobs

   A Theory

   

   The book explores the phenomenon of meaningless or "bullshit" jobs, which are roles that even those who hold them perceive as pointless or unnecessary. It delves into the societal and economic structures that perpetuate these jobs, arguing that they contribute to widespread dissatisfaction and a sense of purposelessness among workers. Through a combination of anecdotes, analysis, and historical context, the book critiques modern capitalism and questions why so many people are trapped in jobs that seem to have no real value, ultimately calling for a reevaluation of work and its role in human life.

4. 4. Direct Action

   An Ethnography

   

   This insightful exploration delves into the philosophy and practice of direct action, focusing on its role within the global justice movement. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, interviews, and theoretical analysis, the narrative examines how activists employ creative tactics to challenge power structures and advocate for social change. The book provides a detailed account of the planning, execution, and aftermath of protests, offering a unique perspective on the motivations and experiences of those involved in grassroots activism. It serves as both a historical document and a guide for understanding the complexities and potential of direct action as a tool for political engagement.
5. 5. Fragments Of An Anarchist Anthropology

   

   This thought-provoking work delves into the potential of anthropology to offer insights into anarchist principles and practices, challenging conventional political and social structures. It explores the possibilities of a society organized without hierarchies, emphasizing the importance of cooperation, mutual aid, and decentralized decision-making. By drawing on ethnographic examples and historical precedents, the text invites readers to imagine alternative ways of living that prioritize freedom and equality, questioning the inevitability of state power and authority in shaping human societies.

6. 6. The Utopia Of Rules

   On Technology, Stupidity, and the Secret Joys of Bureaucracy

   

   In this thought-provoking exploration, the author delves into the intricate world of bureaucracy and its pervasive influence on modern society. Through a series of essays, the narrative examines how bureaucratic systems, often seen as mundane and tedious, are deeply intertwined with power dynamics, capitalism, and the human desire for order. The book challenges the notion that bureaucracy is merely a necessary evil, instead suggesting it is a tool for maintaining control and perpetuating inequality. With a blend of historical analysis, personal anecdotes, and cultural critique, the work invites readers to reconsider the role of rules and regulations in shaping our everyday lives and the potential for envisioning alternative systems.

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7. 7. Pirate Enlightenment, Or The Real Libertalia

   Or The Real Libertalia

   

   Set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, this book delves into the intriguing world of pirates who sought to establish a society free from the constraints of European colonial powers. It explores the legendary pirate haven of Libertalia, a utopian community where outlaws, escaped slaves, and indigenous people coexisted, challenging the traditional narratives of piracy as mere lawlessness. Through a blend of historical analysis and anthropological insight, the book reimagines pirates as pioneers of democratic ideals and social experimentation, offering a fresh perspective on their role in shaping the modern world.

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8. 8. On Kings

   The Nature and Origins of Sovereign Power

   

   This book delves into the intricate and multifaceted world of kingship, exploring the historical, cultural, and social dimensions of monarchy across different societies. It challenges conventional notions of kings as mere political figures, instead presenting them as complex symbols of power, authority, and divine connection. Through a blend of anthropology and history, the narrative examines how kings have been both revered and contested, serving as pivotal figures in the shaping of societal structures and ideologies. The work offers a rich tapestry of insights into the enduring legacy and evolving role of kings throughout human history.

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9. 9. The Democracy Project

   A History, a Crisis, a Movement

   

   In this insightful exploration of modern political systems, the author delves into the intricacies of democracy, examining its evolution and the challenges it faces in contemporary society. Through a critical lens, the narrative highlights the disconnect between democratic ideals and the realities of political power, emphasizing the need for grassroots movements and participatory governance to reclaim true democratic principles. The book draws on historical examples and the author's own experiences to propose a vision of democracy that is more inclusive, equitable, and reflective of the people's will.

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10. 10. Praca Bez Sensu. Teoria

    Teoria

    

    This thought-provoking work delves into the phenomenon of "bullshit jobs," exploring the rise of meaningless employment in modern society. It argues that many jobs today serve no real purpose and exist only to keep people busy, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and a sense of futility. Through a blend of historical analysis, personal anecdotes, and social critique, the book challenges the traditional notions of work and productivity, urging readers to reconsider the value and purpose of their professional lives. It ultimately questions the societal structures that perpetuate these roles and advocates for a more meaningful approach to labor.

11. 11. A Field Guide To Redheads

    

    This delightful exploration delves into the world of redheads, celebrating the unique allure and mystique surrounding those with fiery locks. Through a blend of humor, cultural insights, and historical anecdotes, the book offers readers a charming and informative journey into the lives of redheads, examining their representation in art, literature, and society. With a keen eye for detail and a playful tone, it captures the essence of what makes redheads stand out, while also addressing the myths and stereotypes that have surrounded them throughout history.

12. 12. The Good Nurse

    A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder

    

    A gripping true-crime narrative that chronicles how a trusted hospital nurse secretly murdered numerous patients over many years, how pattern-seeking colleagues and detectives slowly unraveled the crimes, and how systemic failures, institutional complacency, and regulatory blind spots allowed the killings to continue until a brave fellow nurse cooperated with investigators to expose the truth and seek justice.

13. 13. Revolutions In Reverse

    Essays on Politics, Violence, Art, and Imagination

    

    A trenchant collection of essays from the early 2000s through the Occupy era that blends anthropological insight with radical political critique, examining capitalism, bureaucracy, debt, and the possibilities of direct democracy; it uses reportage and theoretical reflection on social movements and everyday forms of resistance to argue for imaginative, bottom-up alternatives to state and market domination and the transformative potential of collective action.

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