“The most magnificent collection of libertarian writings ever published” (Laissez Faire Books).
An important collection of seminal writings on a movement that is rapidly changing the face of American politics, The Libertarian Reader links some of the most fertile minds of our time to a centuries-old commitment to freedom, self-determination, and opposition to intrusive government. This is the first comprehensive anthology of libertarian thought—from the Bible and Lao-Tzu to Hayek and Milton Friedman—to be published in one volume. The 68 selections from great libertarian writers are an intellectual feast, covering such key libertarian themes as skepticism about power, individual rights, spontaneous order, free markets, and peace.
For all independent thinkers, this unique sourcebook will stand as a classic reference for years to come, and a reminder that libertarianism is one of our oldest and most venerable American traditions.Conceived as the companion volume to David Boaz’s Libertarianism, this anthology comprising the likes of Lao-tzu and Milton Friedman is a treasure trove. That’s because libertarianism touches on such important issues as the nature and extent of individual rights, the proper powers of government, and the virtues and shortcomings of the marketplace, and besides, it has tempted many of history’s best minds. Pound for pound, the most impressive piece of reasoning here is philosopher Robert Nozick’s attempt to defend a “minimal state, limited to the narrow functions of protection against force, theft, [and] fraud, [and] enforcement of contracts” and the view “that any more extensive state will violate persons’ rights not to be forced to do certain things.” Still, I wonder if Nozick has always turned down federal research grants and has always refused to pay income taxes, and if he hasn’t, why not?
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- Simon Schuster
Excellent and highly varied selections This book is an excellent compilation of highly varied readings which speak to the political philosophy of Libertarianism starting with I Samuel 8 pointing out the origin of kings is basically idolatry. That is something to really consider: how can a person of faith or of no faith want or need a king? How can a Christian or other faith based person tolerate a king/president/prime minister, etc when God is supposed to be their leader? How can an atheist refute the existence of a benevolent or…
An amazing collection of writings on Libertarian themes
Bit and Pieces at a Time will suffice Boaz is a master at explaining the Libertarian point of view. I have seen him on Stossel and other TV shows and just can’t get enough of his insight. He is one of the reasons I am a Libertarian. I read his “Libertarianism: A Primer” and Charles Murray’s “What it Means to Be a Libertarian” and was totally changed forever. This book is a collection of famous writing throughout history supporting the Libertarian view. Boaz was masterful at assembling it. Highly recommended for…