5 essential books for manly men

The following book recommendations come from a new title that Glenn Beck has described as "game-changing," Stephen Mansfield’s Mansfield's Book of Manly Men: An Utterly Invigorating Guide to Being Your Most Masculine Self.

The below is only a partial book list; you'll have to purchase the book for the complete one. And be sure to check out mansfieldsbookofmanlymen.com for much much more! 

Excerpted from Mansfield’s “The Ten Essential Books for Manly Men” section.

1. Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul by John Eldredge

This book gave Christian men, and perhaps men of faith generally, the tools for understanding and living out the essential passions of manhood. It also gave them permission to take seriously the “wildness” in their souls. This is a very important book. My favorite sentiment is one Eldredge expresses in a variety of ways: “You ask me, ‘Where are the men?’ I say, ‘You have made them women.”

2. The Book of Man: Readings on the Path to Manhoodby William Bennett

Former secretary of education William Bennett has given men a great gift in this book. It is filled with the reflections speeches, biographies, and seminal writings of some of the most esteemed men in history. From Shakespeare’s rousing St. Crispin’s Day speech in Henry V to an essay on fencing, from the description of a critical moment in Lincoln’s youth to the thoroughly relevant thoughts of Seneca, this magnificent volume allows a man to steep his soul in the thoughts and dreams of our fathers.

3. Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance by Bob Buford

There is no better book than Buford’s on the transition a man must make in midlife in order to fulfill his purpose and finish his life well. Read it in youth to know what is coming. Read it in midlife so you have a plan. Read it in old age to understand what you have done and can lead others in the same path. 

4. Future Men by Douglas Wilson

Calling young boys “thunder puppies,” Wilson teaches parents how to respect the emerging manhood in their sons while providing the safe, consistent discipline that allows manhood to thrive, strong and secure.

5. The Art of Manliness: Classic Skills and Manners for the Modern Man by Brett and Kate McKay

I love the Art of Manliness empire in all its manifestations. The absolutely essential website. Thebooks. The podcasts. You simply don’t want to be without the McKays’ help in your pursuit of vital manhood. You will learn how to carve a turkey one day, how to maintain manly friendships the next, and on the third you will be moved by a discussion of the manly virtues in the Middle Ages. Wonderful.