Which Chomsky Should I Read First? - help me please!

[themanwill]

I am new to all this and I haven't read any of Noam Chomskys books but whan I looked them up there were loads. I wondered which one was best to start out with? Any help would be nice. Thanks.

[IzmSchism]

I just picked up the "Chomsky Reader." Haven't read a drop of it yet, I am still working on Stalin's bio. But when I do, I will be sure to drop a line. The girl at the book store mentioned that it was a challenging, but extremely rewarding read.

[vox]

It seems to me that most people get started with the trilogy:

What Uncle Sam Really Wants
Secrets, Lies and Democracy
The Prosperous Few and the Restless Many

These are short interview books that, I think, serve as a good introduction to Chomsky.

I suggest going to the Chomsky Archive (http://www.zmag.org/chomsky/index.cfm) at ZNet and clicking on the Books link. You'll find the complete text of the three works I just mentioned there, plus a lot of other stuff.

Manufacturing Consent, by Chomsky and Edward S. Herman (who provides the signature line that I'm using) is also highly recommended.

vox

(Edited by vox at 5:12 pm on Aug. 21, 2002)

[RedLibertad]

First thing you chould do is pick up the Chomsky trilogy, which is 2 interview books and a misc politics book written by chomsky himself. I would highly discourage the chomsky reader. Outside of the open media pamphlets, I have to say I hated that the worst. After those three, which are pretty quick reads, I'd go to manufufacturing consent, rogue states, and profit over people. Where you go from there on is arbitrary.

However, unlike zmag or monkeyfist's archive, I contribute to an archive that houses alot of chomsky, including all those I've mentioned. (Self plug) Go check out www.crosswinds.net/~redlibertad/

[Sammi]

Year 501. The Conquest continues

Seems to be the best beginning to me..:)

[screwed869]

i started off with the common good, then rogue states (which was great), then 9-11, now dettering democracy

[themanwill]

Thanks for all your help guys. I read 9-11 the other day it was very informative. I will try and get the others you suggested soon. Cheers!

[RedCeltic]

I realize that 9-11 came out in Oct. 2001, but I just picked the book up today at the campus bookstore. It was the only book they had that seemed mildly interesting in the political science section.

It's quite a short little booklet, but it's very informative.

(Edited by RedCeltic at 4:53 pm on Sep. 2, 2002)

[Valkyrie]

Year 501 - the Conquest Continues is online.

www.zmag.org/chomsky/year/year-contents.html

www.z.mag.org

[themanwill]

I just finished Rogue States, it is an amazing piece of writing. Now for the Fateful Triangle.

[bluerev002]

hey i was just about to ask da same queston too.

i think ill start with da ones vox said.

oh and redceltic. by your name do you mean like the celtic crosss form tarot cards?

[RedDawn]

I am currently reading my first Chomsky book so i can't suggest it over any of his other books. However, with the current case of imperialist intervention in Iraq "Deterring Democracy" has been very informative. I would suggest reading it anyway but the current situation adds to the insight.

[ovrproofmentalz]

right now im reading his book neccesary illusions... its about mind control by the american gov't using the media... some serious stuff, and he has given tons of scary examples in the first 50 pages... definately check this one out

[Fabi]

i listened to a bunch of his speeches at zmag...
and i read 9-11
and 'chomsky on miseducation'
right now i am busy reading 'manufacturing consent'...