A review by redbecca
The Reactionary Mind: Conservatism from Edmund Burke to Sarah Palin by Corey Robin

4.0

Robin makes a provocative and unexpected argument that will challenge the conventional wisdom that conservatives and the far right (even fascists) are qualitatively different. He even shows intellectual links between the libertarian right, particularly Ayn Rand, and fascism. The essays were mostly originally published as book reviews, but they are well linked together and comment on consistent themes in conservative thought. In addition to drawing on a depth of knowledge in political theory, this is a very well written book with a number of very quotable bon mots. One of my favorites brings together a number of the book's central ideas. Regarding de Tocqueville he writes, "His drift from the moderation of the July Monarchy to the revanchism of 1848 demonstrates how easily and inexorably the Burkean conservative will swing from the beautiful to the sublime, how the music of prudence and moderation gives way to the march of violence and vitriol."