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.

Great Read

Jason did a great job. Thomas Sowell is a national treasure. His writings should be mandatory in schools. I'm so glad I discovered his work!

Thomas Sowell is an excellent person to learn from

A very good biography. Well worth your time. Enjoyed it very much. Listen to it.

Yayyyyyyy Sowell!

I am proud to say as a HUGE Pinker fan I gravitated to all things Sowell independently and was unaware of their connection and the influence of the latter on the former. The integrity of Sowell is so inspiring. I am now ravenous to ingest his entire catalog. I think we instinctually know when we are hearing fundamental truths, because when we do we become acutely aware of how much untruth we have been inundated with all our lives.

great information good read

love finding out more tidbits about Thomas Sowell. truly brilliant man, fearless, especially with the woke cowardice we see so very much of, he stands out and apparently, always had.

read many of his books and great to hear more out there I shouldn't miss.

enjoyed the reading
and liked the different voices when there was a need

highly recommend
especially if you like Sowell..

or maybe I should say ESSENTIAL if you do not like Sowell.

Excellent synthesis of Sowell’s impact

Riley concentrates this biography of Sowell on Sowell’s ideas, not on irrelevant details of his personal life, except to the extent that those events affected his ideas. Summarizing that extensive knowledge and admirable pursuit of truth is no small feat, but Riley pulls it off with remarkable clarity to showcase the genius and wit of a giant who fears no one.