Person
Every book George Packer recommended on podcasts
George Packer, as evident through his appearances on The Book Review podcast, engages deeply with historical literature, political writing, and texts that examine societal divisions. Discussing his own work and the literary traditions that inform it, Packer referenced several influential political pamphlets and historical accounts. He highlighted Thomas Paine's Common Sense, Walt Whitman's Democratic Vistas, Walter Lippmann's Drift and Mastery, and George Orwell's The Lion and the Unicorn, written during the Blitz in London during World War II, citing them as key exemplars of the genre that influenced his own writing on a divided America. Packer also brought attention to Marc Bloch's lesser-known historical work Strange Defeat, discussing its compelling context as an account of what happened to France written by Bloch while hiding from the Germans in the spring of 1940 before he joined the resistance, was captured, and was executed. Through these discussions, Packer demonstrates a profound appreciation for works that combine acute political observation with urgent historical testimony, using these classic texts to illuminate modern political discourse and societal fractures.
Books recommended by George Packer
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Common Sense
Common Sense by Thomas Paine is a historic political pamphlet published in 1776 that forcefully advocated for American independence from Great Britain.
Discussed“some examples are common sense by Thomas Payne Democratic Vistas by Walt Whitman which influenced me in this book Walter litman's drift and Mastery and and George Orwell's the line and the Unicorn written during the Blitz in in London in World War II”
Where to get it
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Democratic vistas
Discussed“some examples are common sense by Thomas Payne Democratic Vistas by Walt Whitman which influenced me in this book Walter litman's drift and Mastery and and George Orwell's the line and the Unicorn written during the Blitz in in London in World War II”
Where to get it
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Drift and mastery
Discussed“some examples are common sense by Thomas Payne Democratic Vistas by Walt Whitman which influenced me in this book Walter litman's drift and Mastery and and George Orwell's the line and the Unicorn written during the Blitz in in London in World War II”
Where to get it
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Strange defeat;
Discussed“in the spring of 1940 he escaped the Germans and HIIT out and wrote this short book called strange defeat before then joining the resistance and being captured and executed... and strange defeat which isn't well enough known in this country is his account of what happened to France”
Where to get it
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The Lion and the Unicorn
Discussed“some examples are common sense by Thomas Payne Democratic Vistas by Walt Whitman which influenced me in this book Walter litman's drift and Mastery and and George Orwell's the line and the Unicorn written during the Blitz in in London in World War II”
Where to get it
Books George Packer wrote
- Our Man
- The Unwinding
- The assassins' gate
- The best American nonrequired reading, 2003
- Blood of the Liberals
- The village of waiting
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Packer on Our Divided America | The Book Review | 2024-07-18 | 7 |