Books on Economics

 

Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt – perhaps the single most cited and applauded introductory book on economics.  If you think economics is dull – you’re in for a surprise

 

The Incredible Bread Machine by Susan Love Brown, et al – Starts with a simple poem, but answers many of the myths built up over the years about capitalism and free markets.  Also see the remarkably fun 30 min. video (listed below) with the authors, highlighting many parts to the book.

 

Planning for Freedom by Ludwig von Mises – Timeless essays on vital subjects such as Profit and Loss in a market economy and how Middle of the Road Policy Leads to Socialism, and Stones into Bread: The Keynesian Miracle, etc.

 

Economic Policy by Ludwig von Mises – The timeless big issues are made understandable and palpable: Capitalism, Socialism, Interventionism, Inflation, etc.  You won’t be buffaloed by those who propose false “cures” for society’s ills after reading this.

 

The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich von Hayek – This book perhaps should be in the Intermediate section, but is so famous, so clear and so important, that we have included it here.  This book has enlightened many for over 60 years about the true nature of government policies that many seem reasonable, but are really impoverishing us and taking away are freedoms in the bargain.

 

What Has Government Done to our Money by Murray Rothbard – Perhaps the shortest and clearest statement about how government has messed up that most important commodity in our lives – money, and what can be done about it.

 

Capitalism and Freedom by Milton Friedman – The classic statement by one of the greatest advocates for freedom the modern age has seen.  Not everything in this book is right, but so much is, and it is so well argued then you may be in awe of the author after reading it. 

 

Free to Choose by Milton Friedman – A completely revised statement of his former book, updated and reframed.  Companion to the 10 part smash hit TV series (see video listing below).  Don’t miss this.

 

The Machinery of Freedom by David Friedman – A more radical (to the root) view of the possibilities of private voluntary exchange by Milton Friedman’s son.  If you allow your mind to consider logic connected to real world examples that may rub against many of your preconceived notions of what is right or simply possible, this book could open vast possibilities.

 

Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal by Ayn Rand, et al – A series of essays by Ayn Rand, Nathaniel Branden, Alan Greenspan & Robert Hessen on various aspects of what capitalism is and isn’t, with special emphasis on economics, history and philosophy.  This book is classic

 

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