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. Seeing Like A State

   How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed

   

   This insightful work delves into the complexities of state-driven social engineering projects and the often unintended consequences that arise from them. It examines how governments, in their quest for order and efficiency, tend to simplify and standardize diverse and complex societies, leading to failures and resistance. Through historical examples, the book highlights the dangers of top-down planning that disregards local knowledge and practices, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of how societies function and the importance of local autonomy and adaptability.

2. 2. The Wimsey Family

   A Fragmentary History Compiled from Correspondence with Dorothy L. Sayers

   

   The book delves into the intricate lineage and historical backdrop of an aristocratic British family, tracing their roots and evolution through centuries of societal changes. It offers a rich tapestry of anecdotes, personal letters, and historical documents that paint a vivid picture of the family's influence and legacy. The narrative intertwines personal stories with broader historical events, providing a comprehensive view of how the family's fortunes and misfortunes were shaped by the times they lived in. Through meticulous research, the book captures the essence of a bygone era, highlighting the enduring impact of heritage and tradition.

3. 3. The Art Of Not Being Governed

   An Anarchist History of Upland Southeast Asia

   

   This insightful work delves into the lives of the people residing in the highlands of Southeast Asia, often referred to as Zomia, who have historically resisted state control and governance. It explores how these communities have intentionally adopted strategies such as shifting agriculture, oral traditions, and flexible social structures to maintain their autonomy and evade the reach of nation-states. The narrative challenges conventional views of civilization and progress, highlighting the agency of these societies in choosing a stateless existence as a form of resistance and survival.

4. 4. Against The Grain

   A Deep History of the Earliest States

   

   This thought-provoking work delves into the origins of early human societies, challenging conventional narratives about the rise of agriculture and the formation of states. It explores how the transition from foraging to farming was not a straightforward path to progress but rather a complex and often coercive process that led to the establishment of hierarchical structures and the loss of individual freedoms. The book examines the environmental, social, and political factors that influenced these developments, offering a fresh perspective on the interplay between human agency and the forces of nature in shaping the course of history.

   Purchase from Bookshop.org
5. 5. Evolution Vs. Creationism

   

   This book delves into the ongoing debate between the scientific theory of evolution and the religious belief in creationism, exploring the historical, cultural, and educational implications of both perspectives. It provides a balanced examination of the arguments presented by proponents of each side, highlighting the complexities and nuances involved in reconciling scientific inquiry with religious faith. Through a comprehensive analysis, the book aims to foster a deeper understanding of the contentious dialogue surrounding the origins of life and the universe.

6. 6. Weapons Of The Weak

   Everyday Forms of Peasant Resistance

   

   An ethnographic study of rural peasants that shows how subordinate people resist domination through everyday, often covert acts—foot-dragging, pilfering, feigned ignorance, gossip and sabotage—rather than through open rebellion; it argues that these informal, hidden practices constitute a crucial form of political life, enabling people to express grievances, negotiate power, and preserve dignity while avoiding direct confrontation with authorities.

   Purchase from Bookshop.org