Person
Every book Victor Davis Hanson recommended on podcasts
Victor Davis Hanson is a prominent commentator and classicist whose appearances on political and cultural programs, notably The Megyn Kelly Show, reflect a deep engagement with American history, political discourse, and conservative thought. During his discussions on the podcast, Hanson has engaged with several notable books to contextualize modern controversies and historical figures. He recounted a conversation with Charlie Kirk centered on Oswald Spengler's classic work, The Decline of the West, using the text to draw comparisons about intellectual rigor and the state of modern education. In defending political figures against public criticism, Hanson also discussed J.D. Vance's memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, clarifying that the book is fundamentally an honest portrayal of Vance's upbringing in Middletown, Ohio, rather than a condemnation of the working class. Furthermore, Hanson referenced Booker T. Washington's autobiography, Up From Slavery, while analyzing contemporary debates surrounding Florida slavery curriculum standards. Through these discussions, Hanson uses literature and historical texts to illuminate modern political landscapes, anchor his conservative commentary in established historical precedent, and offer perspective on contemporary cultural debates.
Books recommended by Victor Davis Hanson
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Hillbilly Elegy
Hillbilly Elegy by J.D.
Discussed“You read the book, he didn't quite say that. He was honest about their situation. He was from this group of people. Yes, Kentucky, but it's His book is really about his upbringing in Middletown, Ohio.”
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The Decline of the West
The Decline of the West by Oswald Spengler, Arthur Helps, and Charles Francis Atkinson is a monumental historical and philosophical work that argues civilizations go through a predictable cycle of birth, growth, maturity, and ultimate decay.
Discussed“He was reading and I said, what do you think about Spingler's Decline of the West? He was reading and I said, you are better educated than I see most undergraduates with BAs from good schools.”
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Up From Slavery
Up From Slavery is the classic autobiography by Booker T.
Discussed“I mean going way back to Booker T on Booker Washington when he wrote up from slavery that was his theme”
Books Victor Davis Hanson wrote
Appearances
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“and I mentioned that in the epilogue that they've repeatedly said they wanted to destroy Taiwanese civilization it's an aberration that it doesn't really exist and when I just mentioned that in the book The Chinese publisher gave me an ultimatum either take that out or we're going to cancel the Chinese translation”