In no particular order. No conservative or libertarian should be caught dead without all ten of the following books in his or her private library.

10. Capitalism and Freedom by Milton Friedman

The remarkable economic tome from Ronald Reagan’s most famous economic adviser is a must for conservatives and libertarians alike. Especially now that we’re watching Keynesian theories fail — again. Get it here.

9. The Road to Serfdom by F.A. Hayek

The increasingly-famous Austrian economist warns of the dangers of government-controlled economic decisions in this influential book, originally released in March 1944. Get it here.

8. The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith

Wealth is the magnum opus of Scottish economic and staunch advocate of capitalism Adam Smith. The book is as old as the United States itself, but it’s a priceless masterpiece that argues in favor of the free market. Get it here.

7. The Federalist Papers by Publius

We would later learn that Publius was a pseudonym for James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton. The Federalist Papers explain the Constitution in the words of its craftsmen. Get it here.

6. The Conscience of a Conservative by Barry Goldwater

While Conscience was actually ghost-written by L. Brent Bozell, Jr., the book laid out Barry Goldwater’s philosophy. More importantly, it sparked the Reagan Revolution and brought many a non-conservative to the dark side. Get it here.

5. The Conservative Mind: From Burke to Eliot by Russell Kirk

Kirk lays down the intellectual history of the conservative movement in this definitive piece. The book has been hailed throughout its history by such prominent figures as Whittaker Chambers and President Ronald Reagan. ‘Nough said. Get it here.

4. Liberal Fascism by Jonah Goldberg

The most recently-published entry. It’s controversial yet remarkably powerful. Goldberg points out inconvenient truths about the left’s history as only he can. Get it here.

3. The Forgotten Man by Amity Shlaes

Fact by fact, figure by figure, account by account, Shlaes destroys the myth of Franlin Delano Roosevelt’s economic policies as the savior of the nation. If I could recommend just one book on this list, this one would be it. Get it here.

2. The Reagan Diaries by Ronald Reagan

The actual diaries of our nation’s 40th president during his time in office. A remarkable insight into the man, his world view, and his presidency. Get it here.

1. The Black Book of Communism by Multiple

How many people do you think were killed by Communism during the 20th century? 5 million maybe? 10 million? Perhaps as much as 50 million? Try a whopping 94 million people. Black Book lays out the history of horrors perpetrated by Communist movements and countries during the 20th century. Get it here.

HONORABLE MENTION: Mrs. Shlaes recommends “Government Project” by Edward C. Banfield. She calls it “a real live Animal Farm”. Thanks!