Works by
Ralph Nader
(Writer)
[February 27, 1934 - ]

Fiction

• Only the Super-Rich Can Save Us! (2009)
  This vivid fictional account by three-time presidential candidate and best-selling author Ralph Nader asks: What if several of America's wealthiest individuals decided it was time to work for the collective good?
  
  The story that unfolds returns us to the literature of American social movements-to Edward Bellamy, Upton Sinclair, John Steinbeck, and Stephen Crane. And "Only the Super-Rich Can Save Us!" is something else too, a reminder that real changes in America always start with the imagination.
  
  Named by The Atlantic as one of the hundred most influential figures in American history, and by Time and Life magazines as one of the hundred most influential Americans of the twentieth century, Ralph Nader has helped us drive safer cars, eat healthier food, breathe better air, drink cleaner water, and work in safer environments for more than four decades. Nader's books include In Pursuit of Justice, The Ralph Nader Reader, The Good Fight, and The Seventeen Traditions. He lives and works in Washington, D.C., at the helm of several citizens' action groups that he founded.

Non-fiction

• The Seventeen Traditions (2007)
  My boyhood in a small town in Connecticut was shaped by my family, my friends, our neighbors, my chores and hobbies, the town's culture and environment, its schools, libraries, factories, and businesses, their workers, and by storms that came from nowhere to disrupt everything . . . . Yet childhood in any family is a mysterious experience . . . . What shapes the mind, the personality, the character?
  
  So begins this unexpected and extraordinary book by Ralph Nader. Known for his lifetime of selfless activism, Nader now looks back to the earliest days of his own life, to his serene and enriching childhood in bucolic Winsted, Connecticut. From listening to learning, from patriotism to argument, from work to simple enjoyment, Nader revisits seventeen key traditions he absorbed from his parents, his siblings, and the people in his community, and draws from them inspiring lessons for today's society. Warmly human, rich with sensory memories and lasting wisdom, it offers a kind of modern-day parable of how we grow from children into responsible adults—a reminder of a time when nature and community were central to the way we all learned and lived.

• Civic Arousal (2004)
  When we were youngsters, our father would ask us provocative questions. One day he asked, 'What is the most powerful, event-producing force in the world?' We guessed and guessed. His answer: 'Apathy.' What? 'Yes,' he said, 'apathy, because huge numbers of apathetic citizens, or victims, allow bad guys to create all kinds of problems on the ground -- from dictatorial regimes, to repressed economic conditions, to health and safety hazards, to corruption, to wars and so forth.' Edmund Burke, the British conservative philosopher around the time of our country's revolution, put it another way-- 'All that is necessary for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.'"
  
  Thomas Paine's Common Sense galvanized his fellow American colonists into seizing their independence from Britain. Today, as we again face "times that try men's souls," Ralph Nader's call to civic action is as crucial to our country's future as Paine's was in 1776. In Civic Arousal, Nader responds to thoughtful letters written by two young citizens, both frustrated with the political status quo but unsure about their power to affect real change. His insights will inspire every citizen to participate in our democracy and movements for positive change in this country.

• In Pursuit of Justice: Collected Writings 2000-2003 (2004)
  Over the last 40 years, Ralph Nader has established himself as this country's most active visionary. In this insightful new collection of his nationally syndicated column, Nader is at his best. Collecting more than 100 articles spanning three decades, In Pursuit of Justice addresses corporate abuse; the latent dangers of nuclear energy, water and air pollution, consumer safety; and more, all with Nader's inimitable sense of both his subjects' gravity and citizens' entitlement to a fair lot. Writing with a passion for justice and a piercing awareness of the issues of the day, Nader has been tireless in his pursuit of safer lives for U.S. citizens, leaving no one in this country untouched by his reforms.
  
  Remarkably contemporary in its breadth, In Pursuit of Justice is an important retrospective highlighting past victories and leading the way toward the coming decade's most consequential social struggles.
  
  Author, lawyer and leading consumer advocate Ralph Nader is the award-winning founder of the Public Interest Research Group, the Center for Study of Responsive Law, Public Citizen, the Clean Water Action Project, the Disability Rights Project and the Project for Corporate Responsibility. His 2000 presidential election campaign on the Green Party ticket served to broaden the scope of debate on federal priorities.

• The Good Fight Declare Your Independence and Close the Democracy Gap (2004)
  The man who shook up American politics in 2000 --and is doing so again in 2004 -- returns to hold both parties' feet to the fire with his straight talk about Bush, corporate government, and the whole political charade.
  
  Ralph Nader -- relentless activist, brilliant visionary -- may also be the most honest man we've got left in politics. And yet from the moment Nader declared his presidential candidacy on Meet the Press, he's faced relentless opposition, mainly from Democrats fearing that competition from an inspiring independent could dent their voting block "as it did in 2000." Even his old pals at The Nation joined in the party panic.
  
  Now, in The Good Fight, Nader swings back harder than ever at those who "want to block the American people from having more voices and choices" and have lost touch with the concept that votes must be earned, not inherited or entitled. He takes on corporate-occupied Washington and the government's daily abuse against ordinary citizens: "Corporations are saying no to the necessities of the American people. They're saying no to health insurance for everyone, no to a living wage, no to tax reform, no to straightening out the defense budget, which is bloated and redundant, no to access to our courts." And most of all, he urges a speedy return to stronger civic motivation. If fed-up citizens don't actively join the fight for improvement, then ultimately we have no one to blame but ourselves for the inadequate checks on the erosion of our civil liberties.
  
  In an era when politicians sell us rhetoric and then sell out our principles, Nader stands as a crucial voice of candor. The Good Fight is a call to awareness and action that will captivate readers of all political stripes and help us define what we must do to shape the brightest future for our nation.

• Crashing the Party: Taking on the Corporate Government in an Age of Surrender (2002)
  Ralph Nader is one of Americas most passionate and effective social critics, a man Time magazine called the U.S.'s toughest customer. Nader's work has gone a long way to improve the safety of the cars we drive, the food we eat, and the water we drink. In 2000, when he ran for President on the Green Party ticket, nearly three million people voted for him. In his scathing, honest account of the 2000 presidential race, Nader takes aim at those who have spoiled American democracy. Crashing the Party goes deep inside Nader's campaign and reveals:

  • What it takes to run against a two-party juggernaut

  • How old liberal friends turned against him

  • Why the Green Party looks better than ever to progressive Democrats

  • Why Bush and Gore were afraid to let him in on their debates

  • How public interest has been lost to corporate bankrolling.

• Cutting Corporate Welfare (2000)
  While the U.S. continues to experience unprecedented cuts in social service programs and millions of Americans go without health insurance, corporations reap vast sums of taxpayer money through "corporate welfare" - subsidies, bailouts, giveaways, and loopholes. Ralph Nader explains the history and extent of this troubling phenomenon and offers strategies for stopping it.

• The Ralph Nader Reader (2000)
  Four generations of Americans know Ralph Nader as the man who stands up for consumer and worker rights, an advocate on the leading edge of political and social issues from car safety in the '60s to recent protests against the World Trade Organization. This landmark collection brings Nader's writings together for the first time, creating a remarkable portrait of the activist. Lively and articulate, Nader tackles such topics as environmental concerns, Native America, women's rights, nuclear power, corporate corruption, digital democracy, the monolithic Microsoft, and genetically engineered food. This hefty volume is an invaluable resource for those interested in creating change and a testimony to the effectiveness of vigilant citizenship.

• No Contest: Corporate Lawyers and the Perversion of Justice in America (1996) by Ralph Nader and Wesley J. Smith
  Consumer activist Ralph Nader and lawyer and author Wesley J. Smith take a look behind the scenes of the law business, where the pursuit of corporate profit has eclipsed the pursuit of justice. Nader and Smith use human stories, accurate statistics, and common sense to provide an alternative set of reforms to open the system, streamline justice, and cut legal costs--all while guaranteeing Americans their day in court.

• Canada Firsts (1993)

• Collision Course: The Truth About Airline Safety (1993) by Ralph Nader and Wesley J. Smith

• The Concord Principles: An Agenda for a New Initiatory Democracy (1002)

• The Frugal Shopper (1992) by Ralph Nader and Wesley J. Smith

• Winning the Insurance Game The Complete Consumer's Guide to Saving Money (1992)

• The Lemon Book: Auto Rights (1990) by Clarence Ditlow and Ralph Nader

• Home Book: A Guide to Safety, Security and Savings in the Home -- Selected Readings (1989)

• Report to U.S. Taxpayers on the Savings & Loan Crisis (1989)

• The Big Boysower & Position in American Business (1986)

• Nader on Australia (1985)

• Ralph Nader Presents: A Citizen's Guide to Lobbying (1983) by Marc Caplan and Ralph Nader

• Who Runs Congress: Ralph Nader Congress Project (1979)

• The Menace of Atomic Energy (1977) by John Abbotts anf Ralph Nader

• Washington Under the Influence: A Ten Year Review of Auto Safety Amidst Industrial Opposition (1976)

• Unsafe At Any Speed: The Designed-In Dangers of the American Automobile (1965)

Other

• The Idealist: In My Eyes 25 Years (2004) by Glen E. Friedman
  New words on Idealism contributed by Al Sharpton,Cornel West,  Ian MacKaye, Ian Svenonius, and Ralph Nader.

• The Case Against Free Trade (1993)
  This book examines the notion of "free trade" and the issues raised by adopting the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).  Includes chapters by Carlos Heredia, Edmund G. Brown, David Morris, David Phillips, Herman E. Daly, Jerry Mander, Jorge G. Castañeda, Lori Wallach, Margaret Atwood, Mark Richie, Martin Khor, Ralph Nader, Thea Lee, Vandan Shiva,  Wendell Berry and William Greider

See also:

• Ralph Nader: A Biography (2004) by Patricia Cronin Marcello
  The son of civic-minded immigrant parents, Ralph Nader was taught from an early age to appreciate the citizen's role in a democracy. For over four decades, Nader has dedicated his life to challenging government and industrial practices-from protecting the environment and battling for consumer and automotive safety to blowing the whistle on corporate corruption. In spite of Congressional distaste for Nader, he has sought the presidency three times, most recently in 2004. His work has inspired countless others to follow his example, and many foundations he established and financed continue to challenge corporate, industrial, and government policies. Marcello has captured the public and private Nader in a biography that will intrigue students and general readers. Written with the cooperation of his family, it provides original insight into an icon. The book includes a timeline of his life and achievements.

• Ralph's Revolt: The Case for Joining Nader's Rebellion (2004) by Greg Bates
  Why is Ralph running? Why is he doing this to his legacy, to his causes-to his country? Now, as Ralph's candidacy shows strength at times the entire country asks a different question: what are his potential voters doing? Why can't they think strategically and vote out the worst president ever?
  
  For or against his run, everyone wants to read the answers. Now for the first time is an argument that goes beyond Ralph's platform to reveal not just what he stands for but why running makes sense-for justice, for the Democrats, for the country. Ralph's Revolt makes the case for his run-and your vote.

• Nader: Crusader, Spoiler, Icon (2002) by Justin Martin
  A riveting investigative biography of one of America's most influential citizens.
  
  Few figures in our history have had the wide-ranging influence of Ralph Nader. Deemed by Rolling Stone the "most dangerous man in America," Nader has had a profound impact on our society and government.
  
  As a public figure, Nader is virtually without parallel, playing a lead role on the national stage for nearly four decades. The consummate public advocate and the "U.S.'s toughest customer" (Time), Nader has brought about the passage of groundbreaking laws covering everything from auto safety to hazardous x-rays to affordable insurance. Untold numbers of lives have been saved through his efforts.
  
  But the private man is shrouded in mystery and secrecy. For this probing biography, the first since 1975, Justin Martin spoke with Nader along with more than 300 people, including close associates, old friends, and family. The result is a sweeping portrait, covering Nader's small-town Connecticut boyhood, his days at Harvard Law, the David-and-Goliath battle with GM that launched him into the spotlight, and colorful encounters with characters as varied as Al Gore, Albert Einstein, Fidel Castro, Gloria Steinem, Phil Donahue, Susan Sarandon, and Upton Sinclair. The climax of this extraordinary story is an astonishingly revealing insider's account of the 2000 election. Nader is the definitive life of a fascinating, controversial man of our time-a true American icon.

• Ralph Nader: Battling for Democracy (2000) by Kevin Graham
  This authorized biography, based on numerous interviews with Ralpn Nader and his family and friends, succinctly covers his fascinating and exciting life. Everything from his childhood, to his famous 1965 auto-safety book Unsafe At Any Speed, to his 2000 presidential campaign is included, along with many stories of his life never before published. This biography provides both young readers and adults an engaging summary of Ralph Nader's influential life, with comments from well known authorities such as Pulitzer Prize winner David Halberstam and Public Citizen's Joan Claybrook.

• Ralph Nader Presents Practicing Democracy: A Guide to Student Action (1996) by Katherine Isaac
  This text gives students the methods and sources needed to get involved in politics. Reflecting current political trends and organizations, this text lists over 400 political action groups (liberal, conservative, and moderate) with important contact information, including Internet URLs. It also offers examples of letters, memos, and op-ed pieces showing the political process at work.

• Ralph Nader Crusader for Safe Consumer Products and Lawyer for the Public Interest (1991) by Kelli Peduzzi and Mary M. Tolan
  A biography of the consumer advocate who devotes his life to crusading for citizens' rights, such as safer cars, cleaner food, and truthful advertising.

• Ralph Nader Will You Marry Me (1988) by Amy Devereaux

• Me & Ralph: Is Nader Unsafe for America? (1976) by David Sanford

• Ralph Nader Congress Project (1976)

• Nader's Nuclear Issues: A Critique By Dr. Ralph Lapp of Ralph Nader's Charge That "Nuclear fission power is unsafe, unnecessary, and unreliable" (1975) by Ralph Eugene Lapp

• Ruling Congress: A Study of How the House and Senate Rules Govern the Legislative Process (1975) by Ralph Nader Congress Project

• The Environment Committees A Study of the House and Senate Interior, Agriculture, and Science Committees (1975) by Ralph Nader Congress Project

• The Judiciary Committees: A Study of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees (1975) by Ralph Nader Congress Project

• The Madness Establishment: Ralph Nader's Study Group Report on the National Institute of Mental Health  (1974)

• The Paper Plantation: Ralph Nader's Study Group Report on the Pulp and Paper Industry in Maine (1974) by William C. Osborn

• The Water Lords: Ralph Nader's Study Group Report on Industry and Environmental Crisis in Savannah, Georgia, (1971) by James M Fallows

• The Ralph Nader Study Group Report on Food Protection (1970) by James S. Turner