Reflections on the Revolution in France – Edmund Burke

The book that began it all. Sensing the dangers inherent in the 1789 French Revolution, which, unlike its American counterpart a decade prior was significantly less principled and far more abstract in its wishes, Burke became the first to put the idea of ‘conservatism’ in words. Relying heavily on the unique ‘prejudices’ of Great Britain to explain his argument, Irish statesman Burke writes that a nation must carefully use its existing history, experience, culture, and traditions to–as a physician takes to a patient–remove the ills from society. This is in stark contrast to the calls for rapid and revolutionary systemic change that characterized that age and ours today.

The Conservative Mind – Russell Kirk

Kirk, one of the most significant conservative thinkers of the nineteenth century, traces the development of conservative thought over two-hundred years of history. Beginning with Edmund Burke’s Reflections on the Revolution in France, and ending with the life of poet and playwright T.S. Eliot, Kirk reveals the enduring strength, power, and resilience of traditional and moral thought in a world that increasingly turns towards leftism.

Democracy in America – Alexis de Tocqueville

While not necessarily conservative thinking, French philosopher Tocqueville’s classic examination of America’s democratic system and its consequences, stemming from his year-long journey through the United States in 1831, reads prophetic in our modern age. Tocqueville believed that America’s egalitarian system, unique among nations at this time, would propagate rampant individualism, materialism, and soft tyranny–despite all its good. Pressing against these currents is the duty of us today.

The Meaning of Conservatism – Roger Scruton

In this conservative must-read, the late British philosopher Roger Scruton unpacks the meaning of conservative philosophy. Scruton re-emphasizes that a statesman must utilize Burke’s classic tenets of experience, prudence, and culture to navigate decision-making. He wisely reminds us that ideas should always be rooted in the reality of a nation and never be abstract. Scruton states that, unlike most politicians today, a true conservative should not have any set party or ideological positions prior to assuming office–but they should only do what is best for their country.

The Unsettling of America – Wendell Berry

Wendell Berry represents the pinnacle of wholistic environmental thought in this classic book. With passionate and poetic language, Berry pinpoints the loss of connection with the land as one of the largest ills facing modern society. Instead of practicing agriculture in its rich and historical context, the modern drive for efficiency and productivity has transformed it into a mechanized process destructive to the land–and our souls. Only by living a place-based, responsible life whereby one cares for, instead of uses, the land can we regain the wholistic lifestyle we yearn for.

The Need to Be Whole – Wendell Berry

Beginning with a discussion on race relations in the United States, Berry eventually expands into an examination of all personal relations in society. Using the nuance of his Kentucky home during the Civil War, he writes that no issue is truly black and white. The best relationships are built over a lifetime, when all parties live, work, and help each other in the same place. He writes that people today must slow down and get to know each other in good faith to regain the amicable small-town relations he experienced in his youth. Once again Berry emphasizes that the health and care of the land is critically important for the health of the soul.

Natural Rivals – John Clayton

In this book, Clayton recounts the legendary story of outdoorsman John Muir and forester Gifford Pinchot in their protection of America’s western lands. The two men–who typify the hundred-year conservation vs. preservation debate–forever changed the American mindset in our relation towards nature. Clayton unveils that this apparently black and white division was far more nuanced than most history books claim. An essential for any burgeoning conservationist!

The Disfiguration of Nature – James Krueger

In this work, Orthodox Priest James Krueger discusses why environmentalism is inherently conservative, as conservatism believes in the responsible, limited, and place-based living required for effective environmental stewardship. Krueger moves point-by-point, strengthening the conservative position and discussing why liberalism, with its subjectivist and limitless ideals, is not fit to lead the environmental movement.

The Conservative Environmentalist – Benji Backer

In this groundbreaking work, Benji unpacks several common-sense conservative and bipartisan policies that can unite people within the United States towards sustainable environmental solutions that are good for people, the economy, and the planet. Benji, the young founder of the American Conservation Coalition, wrote this book after several years traveling the country exploring different solutions and working with Congressional representatives. Benji has helped voice the young conservative’s response to our environmental challenges.

The Case for Environmental Conservatism – Roger Scruton

Scruton once again eloquently explains the tenets of conservatism–but now in the context of environmental solutions. Scruton discusses the unintended consequences of many seemingly well-intentioned left-leaning environmental organizations, and how big government has meddled in the affairs of environmental conservation. Conservatism, with its guiding principle of love of home, is far better suited to fostering environmental stewardship as it comes from the ground-up, instead of the top-down, command-and-control policies commonly seen today.

Localism in the Mass Age – Front Porch Republic

This compilation of essays from many writers is the crowning publication of the Front Porch Republic, an organization that strives to remind others about the importance of home and the settled life. The Front Porch movement is unique, and is the home of figures on both the left and right. Though its motifs of love of home, stewardship, and responsibility are undoubtedly conservative. This excellent book will let those made uncomfortable by the pace and unrooted nature of modern society that they are not alone.