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Chomsky For Beginners Paperback – Illustrated, August 21, 2007

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 61 ratings

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Noam Chomsky has written some 30 books, he is one of the most-quoted authors on Earth, The New York Times calls him "arguably the most important intellectual alive" - yet most people have no idea who he is or what he's about.

Chomsky For Beginners tells you what he's about: Chomsky is known for his work in two distinct areas - Linguistics and... "Gadflying." ("Gadfly," the word applied to Socrates, comes closest to the constant social irritant that Chomsky has become.) It is Chomsky's work as Political Gadfly and Media Critic that has given passion and hope to the general public - and alienated the Major Media - which is, of course, why you don't know more about him.

Chomsky's message is very simple: Huge corporations run our country, the world, both political parties, and Major Media. (You suspected it; Chomsky proves it.) If enough people open their minds to what he has to say, the whole gingerbread fantasy we've been fed about America might turn into a real democracy.

What's so special about Chomsky For Beginners? The few existing intros to Chomsky cover either Chomsky-the-Linguist or Chomsky-the-Political-Gadfly. Chomsky For Beginners covers both - plus an exclusive interview with the maverick genius. The clarity of David Cogwell's text and the wit of Paul Gordon's illustrations make Chomsky as easy to understand as the genius next door. Words and art are combined to clarify (but not oversimplify) the work and to "humanize" the man who may very well be what one savvy interviewer called him - "the smartest man on Earth."

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author


David Cogswell is a writer based in Hoboken, N.J. He has written thousands of articles on business, travel, politics, and the arts for various print and online publications, including Democratic Underground, Bushwatch, Prison Planet, Indymedia.org, Fortune.com, Travel Weekly, the Hudson Current, and the Jersey Journal. He has contributed pieces to a number of political books, including Fortunate Son, The Making of an American President, by J.H. Hatfield; Ambushed: The Hidden History of the Bush Family by Toby Rogers; and America's Autopsy Report, by John Kaminski. He's the publisher of the political and media commentary website HeadBlast (www.davidcogswell.com), which was banned in China and named as a notable antiwar website by The Guardian.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 193438917X
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ For Beginners (August 21, 2007)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 160 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781934389171
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1934389171
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.95 x 0.4 x 8.95 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 61 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
61 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to understand and a great introduction to Chomsky's work. They appreciate its concise and interesting pacing. The book provides an excellent overview of Chomsky's ideas and thoughts.

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5 customers mention "Ease of learning"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to understand and a great introduction to Chomsky. They say it's concise and written in an engagingly simple style.

"...Why is this book so invaluable? Because it is succinct, (153 pages), visually funny and, in a nutshell, entertaining from beginning to end... But do..." Read more

"...It is written in an engagingly simple style; yes, for beginners - but also for those who think they have advanced beyond that stage...." Read more

"This is a great book to have in your repertoire! It is great to have this in your arsenal, just so that you can participate in the conversation" Read more

"The essential beginners guide to one of the greatest minds of our lives" Read more

5 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate and enjoy the full spectrum of Chomsky's work. They find the book interesting and informative, with original and profound thoughts.

"This is an excellent book for those who want to understand, appreciate, and enjoy the full spectrum of Chomsky's work - from his lingustics, his..." Read more

"Is good Chomsky." Read more

"Interesting and informative." Read more

"excellent book with many original and profound thoughts." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2007
    I have been meaning to write a review for this book for a very long time... For me, this is the quintessential beginner's book on Chomsky... As both my husband and I are avid political activists, we have been occasionally frustrated, and quite often saddened, by the fact that so many people we meet have no idea who Noam Chomsky is... It is no good preaching to the choir, we are out there to give folk the opportunity to expand their political awareness, to entertain some new ideas, to think from a different perspective... Indeed, to even begin to 'think' at all...

    When we are met with, 'Noam Chomsky who? huh?', this is the book we recommend, and have given out over the years I don't know how many times; we just keep replacing it, *lol*

    Why is this book so invaluable? Because it is succinct, (153 pages), visually funny and, in a nutshell, entertaining from beginning to end... But do not mistake the 'fun' for 'fluff'... This book packs a most powerful punch in that it is essentially a primer for looking at the way one thinks, and how one goes about the process of beginning to think 'critically' instead of thinking 'emotionally'.

    Given the State of the Union these days, more and more people are questioning not only the trustworthiness of their leaders, but the very process of governing itself... They are asking, 'How did it come to this?'... Through this book, they can see how the 'messaging' takes place through the use and manipulation of the media and political spin... they can see how they've been, and are continuing to be, influenced... and once this revelation takes place, they are much more prone to relegating 'emotion' to its rightful place while simultaneously beginning the journey of 'critical thinking'...

    All of this takes place in this perfect little beginner's book... Giving someone just stepping into the fray of politics a book such as, 'The Essential Chomsky', (500 pages), will daunt them to the point of regressing back into their shell of complacency... Giving them, 'Chomsky for Beginners', will teach them, entertain them, and spur them on to finding out more... and when that happens, we then recommend the 'Real Story Series' with books such as, 'The Prosperous Few and the Restless Many', 'The Common Good', 'Take the Rich Off Welfare', or 'What Uncle Sam Really Wants'... all books that are also packed with a punch, but very succinct, (100-200 pages), and easy to understand...

    I cannot recommend highly enough, 'Chomsky for Beginners'... David Cogswell and Paul Gordon have gifted us with a brand of genius that teaches through the art of tweeking our funny-bone... Huzzah! for their brilliance, *vbs*
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2014
    This is an excellent book for those who want to understand, appreciate, and enjoy the full spectrum of Chomsky's work - from his lingustics, his activism, and much more.

    It is written in an engagingly simple style; yes, for beginners - but also for those who think they have advanced beyond that stage.

    There is always something new to learn from this extraordinary man.

    Read this book alongside watching Michel Gondry's animation of Chomsky "Is The Man Who Is Tall Happy?" and it will be a feast of delight.

    But be warned : it will change you.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2013
    This is a great book to have in your repertoire! It is great to have this in your arsenal, just so that you can participate in the conversation
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2018
    I just don’t get how in a book about what’s wrong with the US slavery is mentioned once.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2019
    Is good Chomsky.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2017
    The essential beginners guide to one of the greatest minds of our lives
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2016
    Learn about the world and how it works. Read this book.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2017
    Everyone interested in preserving our constitutional rights should read Noam Chomsky.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Antonio Soligo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Comic book?
    Reviewed in Italy on September 23, 2020
    This book is a beautiful explanation of Chomsky's researches on languages and his political thoughts, for beginners of course. It's easy to read and I've liked its style. You will find in it what have characterized Chomsky's lifestyle.
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good introduction
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 8, 2014
    i am biased he's a hero of mine. but I thought this was a very very good introduction.
  • シンプルイングリッシュの村上博昭
    5.0 out of 5 stars わかりやすく、おもしろい
    Reviewed in Japan on February 20, 2016
    簡潔にチョムスキーの言語、哲学、世界観が述べられています。万人が楽しめます。
  • Mr. B. M. Hansen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Trews is the news if the news was true.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 27, 2015
    Great place to start.