The Rothbard Reader

by Murray N. Rothbard, Joseph T. Salerno (Editor), Matthew McCaffrey (Editor)

Few economists manage to produce a body of work that boasts a serious following twenty years after their deaths. Murray N. Rothbard is a rare exception. More than two decades since his passing, his influence lives on, both in the work of a new generation of social scientists, and among a growing number of the general public.One reason for Rothbard’s continuing popularity is his ability to reach across disciplines, and to connect unlike many contemporary economists, who specialize in increasingly narrow fields within the science, Rothbard’s research agenda was expansive and interdisciplinary, covering most of the social sciences and humanities.Some readers of this book will already be familiar with Rothbard’s major works, such as his path-breaking treatise on economics, Man, Economy, and State. Yet Rothbard also produced hundreds of shorter works for both academic and popular audiences. Unfortunately, many lack the time to explore his writings; what’s more, his oeuvre is so enormous it is often difficult to know where to begin.This book aims to solve these problems by providing a window into Rothbard’s achievements in the social sciences, humanities, and beyond. It includes introductory, intermediate, and advanced material, to ensure the book can be enjoyed by readers of all levels of understanding and familiarity with Rothbard’s work. Therefore although it is intended primarily for newcomers, veteran readers will also find much to discover or re-discover in these pages.The individual articles in this collection can be read in any order; with that in mind, we propose two ways to explore them. Those new to Rothbard’s writing may want to begin with the shorter, more accessible chapters that interest them most, before continuing on to more difficult topics. However, we have intentionally arranged the articles and sections so that readers who prefer a systematic discussion, or who are already acquainted with Rothbard’s ideas, can read the book cover to cover.The volume begins with a personal look at Rothbard’s life and work, as told in his own words. The opening section, “ Man, Economist, and Anti-Statist,” brings together three rare interviews, each highlighting different aspects of his unique personality and worldview. Readers will soon recognize an overarching theme running through Rothbard’s life and a passion for liberty, a unifying principle in his thought, no matter the discipline.This commitment can be seen further in the next section, “Foundations of Social Science and the Free Society.” In the first essay, Rothbard stresses “The Discipline of Liberty” as the foundation for the study of humanity. This central interest serves as inspiration and foundation for the project that follows, namely, an outline of the human sciences and their primary method of praxeology.Although Rothbard wrote on many subjects, his training—and heart—were in economics, and so too are the majority of the writings in this collection. The next two sections provide a concise exposition of economic theory, beginning with individual value and choice. They explore in turn Rothbard’s insights into the “Principles of Economics and Government Intervention” and “Money, Banking, and the Business Cycle.” Together, these chapters provide a brief overview of Rothbard’s more comprehensive account of economic theory in Man, Economy, and State.Austrian economists have always been fascinated by the history of their science, and Rothbard was no exception. In fact, his writings on the subject are among his most original and controversial.

Genres: Economics, Politics, Nonfiction

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 17, 2016

About the author

Murray Newton Rothbard was an influential American historian, natural law theorist and economist of the Austrian School who helped define modern libertarianism. Rothbard took the Austrian School's emphasis on spontaneous order and condemnation of central planning to an individualist anarchist conclusion, which he termed "anarcho-capitalism".

In the 1970s, he assisted Charles Koch and Ed Crane to found the Cato Institute as libertarian think tank.

Reviews

[Dann Zinke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great primer to libertarianism, both in economics and government. Rothbard has a very accessible voice and style. He espouses a bunch of stuff that I would disagree with as a Christian (like the whole no-need-for-any-government thing), but on the whole the book is very useful for introducing common-sense libertarian/Christian economic concepts. It's nice that this is a free pdf online over at the Mises Institute. I'll be referring back to it, for sure.

[Marrkvz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensacional coletânea, a extensão da capacidade intelectual de Rothbard -- de resenhas de cinema a discussões sobre história, o papel do historiador, ética libertária, economia, história intelectual, etc -- é aqui aparente.

[RobP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good way for people to come to understand Rothbard and his thinking in small easy to read collection.

[Bryce Eickholt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent collection of Rothbard's work. It's a nice sampler. Bits and pieces from various writings of his. If you are not sure where to start with reading his stuff this is a good primer.