I like your example of Russell's History of Western Philosophy. Nitpicking (trolling) stuff that does not change or invalidate the central thesis is unhelpful.

I like your example of Russell's History of Western Philosophy. Nitpicking (trolling) stuff that does not change or invalidate the central thesis is unhelpful. Food fights over "most influential" (books, albums, paintings) is just hipster gatekeeping. As if. Which is more influential? St Peppers or Rubber Soul? Could the more popular St Peppers exist without Rubber Soul? Blah, blah, blah. Most people don't care. Both are amazing and worth studying. I'd much prefer to read both DeLong and Graeber's Top Ten Albums lists, over DeLong kibitzing about Graeber's choices. Especially now that I know Graeber was easily antagonized. Continuing to poke him just feels mean spirited. And definitely antithetical to scholarship.