It is rare that a book comes along that combines a discussion of complex and potentially difficult ideas and concepts with a topicality that addresses crucial and indeed fundamental issues that confront us in today's world. The Politics of Knowledge achieves that goal. The basic argument is that we have, for various reasons, created an environment in which inflexible thinking about our problems ("Loyalty") has handicapped us in thinking about new solutions and possibilities. Ranging from questions such as "Why a two Party System?' to "Political correctness" and "Rebooting Education," Professor Laird takes on a fascinating journey of discovery and forces us to rethink much of what we know about politics and society. It is a book well worth reading, and one that should have a real impact on the way we approach problems and problem solving.

Euel Elliott, University of Texas

In The Politics of Knowledge: When Loyalty Minimizes Learning, Richard Laird takes us on a fascinating journey through evolutionary biology, history, philosophy, economics, psychology, and politics to ponder whether our increased tendency to place individual self-esteem and group loyalties above facts threatens to undo the entire enlightenment project, which has given humankind a pretty positive half millennium. Laird offers much to agree with, and much to contend with in this erudite, engaging book. I would readily assign The Politics of Knowledge in undergraduate seminars on politics, history, or education, where it could foster no end of discussion.

Robert Maranto, 21st Century Chair in Leadership, University of Arkansas; Fayetteville School Board, 2015-2020; editor, Journal of School Choice