Noam Chomsky Books

Edward S. Herman is an academic specialising in finance who has written many works on political economy and the media.

Noam Chomsky is a world-renowned expert in the fields of linguistics and global political culture. He is best known for his criticisms of globalisation, American power and the mass media. He has authored numerous publications including Hegemony or Survival and Deterring Democracy.

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1
 Books: Manufacturing Consent by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky

Manufacturing Consent

Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky
The Political Economy of the Mass Media
4.4 (242 ratings)
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What's Manufacturing Consent about?

Manufacturing Consent (1988) takes a critical view of the mass media to ask why only a narrow range of opinions are favored whilst others are suppressed or ignored. 

It formulates a propaganda model which shows how alternative and independent information is filtered out by various financial and political factors allowing the news agenda to be dominated by those working on behalf of the wealthy and powerful. Far from being a free press, the media in fact maintain our unequal and unfair society.

Who should read Manufacturing Consent?

  • Anyone who wants to know who sets the agenda of the mass media
  • Anyone who would like to know whose interests the media serve
  • Anyone who wants to understand why the mass media suppress independent voices

2
 Books: Failed States by Noam Chomsky

Failed States

Noam Chomsky
The Abuse of Power and the Assault on Democracy
3.9 (212 ratings)
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What's Failed States about?

In Failed States, author Noam Chomsky details the ways in which the United States has used its power to relentlessly pursue its own geopolitical and economic interests. The book cites examples from throughout history to demonstrate why the United States’ stated goal of promoting democracy is inconsistent with its own actions, at home and abroad.

Who should read Failed States?

  • Anyone critical of US foreign policy
  • Anyone interested in international politics
  • Anyone interested in history

3
 Books: Profit Over People by Noam Chomsky

Profit Over People

Noam Chomsky
Neoliberalism and Global Order
4.4 (441 ratings)
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What's Profit Over People about?

Profit Over People (1999) is a deep dive into the often hidden world of neoliberalism, revealing how global power structures and US policies are influenced by corporate interests. You’ll be taken on a journey that uncovers an economic system geared toward the affluent, often to the detriment of the many.

Who should read Profit Over People?

  • Students of economics or international relations 
  • Policymakers and businesspeople
  • Curious minds interested in the way our world works

4
 Books: Understanding Power by Noam Chomsky, Peter R. Mitchell & John Schoeffel

Understanding Power

Noam Chomsky, Peter R. Mitchell & John Schoeffel
The Indispensable Chomsky
4.4 (192 ratings)
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What's Understanding Power about?

Understanding Power (2002) is a compilation of discussions and seminars by Noam Chomsky curated by Peter R. Mitchell and John Schoeffel. Throughout this collection, Chomsky delves into a wide range of topics, primarily focusing on how power and politics shape societies – critiquing media, corporate power, and governmental control, all while examining how these forces influence public opinion, policy, and democracy. With a focus on America, it reinterprets events of the past concerning foreign and social policy, highlighting the many challenges that Americans continue to face.

Who should read Understanding Power?

  • Political and sociology students
  • Citizen historians interested in America
  • Changemakers and activists

5
 Books: Hegemony or Survival by Noam Chomsky

Hegemony or Survival

Noam Chomsky

What's Hegemony or Survival about?

Hegemony or Survival by Noam Chomsky explores the concept of hegemony and its impact on global politics. Chomsky argues that the United States has pursued a policy of maintaining its hegemonic power through military and economic means, often at the expense of other nations and the well-being of their citizens. He also examines the potential for survival in a world dominated by a single superpower.

Who should read Hegemony or Survival?

  • People who are interested in international relations and global politics
  • Readers who want to understand the impact of US foreign policy on the world
  • Individuals who are critical of mainstream media and seek alternative perspectives

6
 Books: Language and Mind by Noam Chomsky

Language and Mind

Noam Chomsky

What's Language and Mind about?

Language and Mind by Noam Chomsky explores the relationship between language and the human mind. Chomsky delves into the innate structures of the mind that enable us to learn and use language, challenging traditional theories and offering groundbreaking insights into the nature of human communication.

Who should read Language and Mind?

  • Individuals interested in understanding the relationship between language and human cognition

  • Students and scholars in the fields of linguistics, psychology, and cognitive science

  • Readers looking for a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of language and its impact on the mind


7
 Books: Syntactic Structures by Noam Chomsky

Syntactic Structures

Noam Chomsky

What's Syntactic Structures about?

Syntactic Structures is a groundbreaking book by Noam Chomsky that revolutionized the field of linguistics. Published in 1957, it introduces Chomsky's theory of transformational grammar and argues that the structure of sentences can be described by a set of rules. This influential work laid the foundation for the study of syntax and has had a lasting impact on our understanding of language.

Who should read Syntactic Structures?

  • Students and academics studying linguistics or language theory

  • Professionals in the fields of computational linguistics or natural language processing

  • Readers interested in Noam Chomsky's influential theories on language and cognition


What's Aspects of the Theory of Syntax about?

Aspects of the Theory of Syntax is a groundbreaking book by Noam Chomsky that revolutionized the study of language. Published in 1965, it presents Chomsky's influential theory of generative grammar, which argues that the structure of language is innate to humans and can be understood through a set of universal principles. This book has had a profound impact on linguistics and cognitive science, shaping our understanding of how language is acquired and processed.

Who should read Aspects of the Theory of Syntax?

  • Students and scholars of linguistics who want to deepen their understanding of syntax

  • Language enthusiasts who are curious about the underlying principles of grammar

  • Professionals in fields such as computational linguistics or natural language processing


9
 Books: Global Discontents by Noam Chomsky

Global Discontents

Noam Chomsky

What's Global Discontents about?

Global Discontents by Noam Chomsky offers a thought-provoking analysis of the current state of global affairs. Chomsky delves into the root causes of discontent and unrest around the world, examining issues such as economic inequality, political corruption, and the impact of corporate power. Through insightful discussions, he challenges readers to question the status quo and consider alternative paths towards a more just and peaceful future.

Who should read Global Discontents?

  • Readers who are curious about the root causes of global discontent

  • Individuals interested in understanding the impact of political and economic systems on society

  • Those who want to explore alternative perspectives on international affairs and social justice


10
 Books: Media Control by Noam Chomsky

Media Control

Noam Chomsky

What's Media Control about?

Media Control by Noam Chomsky explores the ways in which mass media is used to shape public opinion and manipulate information. Chomsky argues that the concentration of media ownership and the influence of powerful elites result in a narrow range of perspectives being presented to the public. He also discusses the role of advertising and public relations in shaping the content and priorities of the media. Ultimately, the book raises important questions about the potential consequences of media control for democracy and informed decision-making.

Who should read Media Control?

  • Readers who are interested in understanding the manipulation of media and its impact on society

  • Individuals who want to critically analyze the information they consume and the agendas behind it

  • Those who seek to broaden their perspective on the role of media in shaping public opinion


11
 Books: Necessary Illusions by Noam Chomsky

Necessary Illusions

Noam Chomsky

What's Necessary Illusions about?

Necessary Illusions by Noam Chomsky challenges the idea that the media is an independent and objective institution. Chomsky argues that the media serves the interests of powerful elites and creates illusions that are necessary for maintaining the existing social, economic, and political order. Through thought-provoking analysis, the book sheds light on the hidden mechanisms behind media manipulation and encourages readers to question the information they receive.

Who should read Necessary Illusions?

  • Individuals who are interested in understanding the role of media in shaping public opinion

  • Readers who want to critically analyze the information they consume and the narratives presented to them

  • People who are curious about the mechanisms of propaganda and manipulation in modern society