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P. J. O’Rourke

    November 14, 1947 – February 15, 2022
    On The Wealth of Nations
    Holidays in Heck
    Holidays in hell
    Parliament of Whores
    Driving Like Crazy
    A Cry From the Far Middle
    • An analysis of the present political moment, and the anger that defines it, from bestselling author and acclaimed satirist P.J. O'Rourke.

      A Cry From the Far Middle2020
      3.5
    • The Baby Boom

      • 272 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      With his typical wit and keen analysis, O'Rourke looks at the way the post-war generation somehow came of age by never quite growing up and somehow created a better society by turning society upside down.

      The Baby Boom2014
      3.5
    • Holidays in Heck

      • 288 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      A follow-up to "Holidays in hell" collects classic travel pieces written throughout the author's post-retirement years, a period marked by his haphazard journeys with and without family to such regions as China, Kyrgyzstan, and America.

      Holidays in Heck2012
      3.6
    • Driving Like Crazy

      • 288 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      A collection of O'Rourke's writings about cars for Car and Driver, Automobile, Esquire, Forbes, and other publications.

      Driving Like Crazy2009
      3.8
    • Now available in paperback, Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations, the book that created the field of economics, is transformed into a page-turner of global significance by America's sharpest political commentator writing in English today.

      On The Wealth of Nations2008
      3.6
    • Inorganic chemistry is a crucial pillar of undergraduate chemistry education. The fourth edition of this text reaffirms its importance by offering enhanced stimulation, insights, and support for students to grasp the fundamentals. The new author team, with a strong background in teaching and research, has completely revised the book to improve accessibility. They have expanded explanations, adopted a less formal writing style, and assumed a lower level of mathematical and chemical knowledge, while maintaining the depth and rigor of previous editions. Coverage of the chemistry of the elements has been extended, providing a solid framework for students' understanding. The new edition aims to inspire students with 'Frontiers' chapters on contemporary topics such as materials science, nanotechnology, biological inorganic chemistry, and environmental chemistry. These chapters, along with real-life examples, encourage engagement with the subject. The text features a new full-color design to further stimulate and engage students. An Online Resource Centre complements the book, offering 3D rotating molecular models, electronic illustrations, web links, and additional questions, with a solutions manual available for adopters.

      Shriver & Atkins: Inorganic Chemistry Fourth Edition2006
    • Peace Kills

      • 197 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      Having unraveled the mysteries of Washington and economics, one of our sharpest foreign correspondents focuses on the enigma of America's foreign policy. P.J. O'Rourke, despite years of writing about global affairs, admits he never truly contemplated foreign policy. He likens it to a dog owner lacking a "dog policy," suggesting that Americans care for foreigners but often react with force only when necessary. In this exploration, he aims to decode America's "Great Game," visiting countries on the brink of conflict or recovering from it, starting with Kosovo. There, he observes that America tends to intervene late, often bombing neighboring countries when injustice arises. His journey continues through Egypt, Israel, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Iraq, where he witnesses the beginnings and endings of hostilities. O'Rourke also reflects on the impact of war and peace domestically, from the absurdities of airport security to the looming threat of anthrax, humorously noting that his mail threats come mainly from credit card companies. This work showcases O'Rourke at his most incisive, offering a thought-provoking perspective on a world transformed since he previously argued that the most troubling aspect of war can sometimes be peace itself.

      Peace Kills2005
      3.5
    • Das Schwein mit dem Holzbein

      • 271 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      „Warum sind manche Leute reich und andere nicht? Die zentrale Frage dieses Buches konnte ich nicht beantworten, weil ich ein wirtschaftlicher Idiot war.“ Der Journalist P.J. O’Rourke hat nicht die geringste Ahnung von wirtschaftlichen Theorien. Er beschließt, sich an Ort und Stelle umzusehen und geht auf eine höchst vergnügliche wirtschaftliche Entdeckungsreise um die Welt, auf welcher der Leser ganz nebenher alles Wissenswerte über das Innenleben der New Yorker Börse, über Auto reparieren in Kuba, Cognac trinken in Hongkong und das Funktionieren der Wirtschaft erfährt.

      Das Schwein mit dem Holzbein2002
      4.0
    • Readers may be surprised to learn that P. J. O'Rourke, America's provocative satirist, once embraced radical leftist ideals, leaving behind a legacy of youthful idealism. In this engaging narrative, he reflects on his transformation from a carefree revolutionary to a conservative commentator. O'Rourke examines how the 1970 version of himself, who critiqued the adult world with disdain for materialism, the Republican party, and societal norms, evolved into someone who supports those very concepts. He shares his journey from a beatnik lifestyle, characterized by communal living and underground writing, to adopting a more conventional worldview that values national defense, fiscal responsibility, and luxury items like Porsches and Cohiba cigars. Through humor and insight, O'Rourke illustrates that even the most ardent Bohemians can find their way back to mainstream values. His message resonates with anyone grappling with the challenges of growing up: "Pull your pants up, turn your hat around, and get a job." The narrative is filled with vivid anecdotes and sharp wit, showcasing O'Rourke's unique comedic talent and keen observational skills that keep his wild experiences relatable and grounded.

      Age And Guile Beat Youth, Innocence And A Bad Haircut1996
      3.7
    • The Enemies List

      • 232 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      Politically incorrect and unflinchingly irreverent, this acerbic book, begun as an article by O'Rourke in The American Spectator and further contributed to by the magazine's readership, offers a hilarious take on all those "undesirables" we have to live with every day. Media tour.

      The Enemies List1996
      3.3
    • From the author of Give War a Chance and Parliament of Whores, this book offers P.J. O'Rourke's view of all the trouble in the world - but with the goal of answering some tough questions.

      All the Trouble in the World1994
      3.9
    • Modern Manners

      • 280 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      In Modern Manners cultural guru P. J. O'Rourke provides the essential accessory for the truly contemporary man or woman-a rulebook for living in a world without rules.Traditionally, good manners were a means of becoming as bland and invisible as everyone else, and thus of avoiding calling attention to one's own awkwardness and stupidity. Today, with everyone wanting to appear special, stupidity is at a premium and manners-as outrageous and bizarre as possible-are a wonderful way to distinguish ourselves, or have a fine time trying.Modern Manners is an irreverent and hilarious guide to anti-etiquette that offers pointed advice on a range of topics from sex and entertaining to reading habits and death. With the most up-to-date forms of vulgarity, churlishness, and presumption, the latest fashions in discourtesy and barbarous display, P. J. O'Rourke makes it easier for all of us to survive with style in a rude world.

      Modern Manners1994
      3.8
    • Give War a Chance

      • 233 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      Looks at freedom in Russia, Berlin, and Nicaragua, the Gulf War, Africa, drug testing, and pokes fun at people such as Dr. Ruth and Lee Iacocca

      Give War a Chance1992
      3.7
    • Parliament of Whores

      • 233 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      Author of the bestsellers Republican Party Reptile, Holidays in Hell, and Modern Manners, P.J. O'Rourke is America's hottest, hippest satirist, humorist and political sage. Heir apparent to H.L. Mencken and Hunter S. Thompson, he has been called America's funniest writer by Time. Here he offers a guided tour of the U.S. government and a serious yet hilarious analysis of public policy.vents)

      Parliament of Whores1991
      4.0
    • Holidays in hell

      • 288 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      A collection of stories about those travel destinations rarely featured in travel brochures, largely because they are in a perpetual state of war, revolution or shortage of everything from hot dogs to toilet paper.

      Holidays in hell1988
      4.0