Maverick

A Biography of Thomas Sowell

By: Jason L. Riley

Narrated by: Brad Sanders

A biography of Thomas Sowell, one of America's most influential conservative thinkers.

Thomas Sowell is one of the great social theorists of our age. In a career spanning more than a half century, he has written over 30 books, covering topics from economic history and social inequality to political theory, race, and culture. His bold and unsentimental assaults on liberal orthodoxy have endeared him to many admirers but have also enraged fellow intellectuals, the civil-rights establishment, and much of the mainstream media. The result has been a lack of acknowledgment of his scholarship among critics who prioritize political correctness. In the first-ever biography of Sowell, Jason L. Riley gives this iconic thinker his due and responds to the detractors. Maverick showcases Sowell's most significant writings and traces the life events that shaped his ideas and resulted in a Black orphan from the Jim Crow South becoming one of our foremost public intellectuals.

©2021 Jason L. Riley (P)2021 Basic Books

Critic reviews

“Fascinating.... Riley has achieved something rare in the field of intellectual biography­ - a recounting of a distinguished scholar’s life that draws on popular interest in Thomas Sowell the person and directs it to a lucid survey of Sowell’s volumi­nous intellectual output.” (National Review)

“Sowell’s vast and diverse intellectual output, devoured over the decades by a loyal readership, screamed for a biography a long time ago. Jason Riley delivers, in a pleasing style that arrives as a must-read for any fan of Thomas Sowell, what the public so wanted but inexplicably did not receive until now.” (American Spectator)

“Riley, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and columnist for the Wall Street Journal, has done an admirable job distilling Sowell’s 90 years, 30-odd books, and countless columns into a single volume. Maverick will delight Sowell’s biggest fans and help introduce new generations to the man and his work.” (Washington Free Beacon)

Excellent overview of Sowell's remarkable mind

I started reading Sowell's columns in the 80s while in high school. I thought they were so insightful I would cut them out and keep them in a notebook. I've since read 3 of his books and listened repeatedly to podcasts/videos with him discussing his research. I'm not normally a groupie, but his brilliant words are rare and incredibly needed today.

Thomas Sowell is a gift

Jason Riley’s story of Sowell’s work and life is refreshing. Sowell is a truth seeking superhero. This book convincingly describes Sowell’s unexpected answers to many of society’s struggles. Sowell’s influence will endure for generations.

A great mind

I love Thomas Sowell already but to hear another great mind confirm my believes is very rewarding! Close minded intolerant lefties will be the disgrace of our country for many centuries. For a long time Thomas was the lone candle shining light on their stupidity.

Should be on every college reading list.

Either as an intro to opposing views or validation of current beliefs, this biography is delightful and cerebral. It excises cliches and tropes of the right and the left. Prof Sowell was his own man who achieved despite his start in life, and hurdles the barriers placed along the way. A great book about a great man. Thank you Mr Riley. I now have a new reading list based on your references therein.

Candid portrait of one of our great thinkers

Wonderful overview of life/ career of a true mensch. Dignified excellence and true heart.

Fantastic introduction to Thomas Sowell

I bought this biography to act as a starting point in reading Sowell’s works. I was not disappointed. I heard about Sowell, and was dying to read him. With so many published books, I didn’t know where to start. I’m glad I found Riley’s biography on the scholar. Now, I have foundation to start with.

PS Excellent narration voice by Brad Sanders

Outstanding summary of Sowel’s work and impact

This is not a biography of the life of Thomas Sowel. It is a description and assessment of Sowel’s work and message, a challenge to those who seek to dismiss the importance and independence of Sowel’s ideas, and a call to follow Sowel’s example of carrying more about actual data and history than in ephemeral feelings and rhetoric.

Spell binding!

I found this man's story hard to put down. You will be in awe of him once you realize the scope of his intellect, body of work, and Genius!

Thanks

Thanks Jason Riley. My eyes have been opened wider to Thomas Sowell and other great black thinkers.

Interesting and well documented

I found this book on Thomas Sowell to be an excellent overview of his positions and philosophy in psychology, and also provided the backdrop of his history, some of which I was unaware.