Pity the Billionaire, By Thomas Frank

This book, about the rebirth of right-wing populism, is a meticulously researched analysis of the failure of conservatism to face up to economic crisis.

Rather than reflect, the Right has covered over cracks until they've become chasms. The argument is highly pertinent as Mitt Romney gathers steam, while President Obama is not found blameless, having continued the bailouts that George Bush began, despite the fact that "free-market theory has proven itself to be a philosophy of ruination".