Modern Libertarianism: A Brief History of Classical Liberalism in the United States

From the author of Radicals for Capitalism comes this concise and well-rounded account of the intellectual roots of the American libertarian movement. In Modern Libertarianism, Brian Doherty effortlessly combines autobiographical insights and intellectual summaries with short histories of key influences, economists, writers, philosophers, activists, politicians, philanthropists, and institution builders. Readers will learn of Bastiat's satirical treatment of controls on trade, of Mises' early contributions to Austrian economics, and Hayek's success in bringing these ideas to large audiences.

Chapters include figures and institutions such as Murray Rothbard, Milton Friedman, Robert Nozick, the Foundation for Economic Education, the Volker Fund, the Institute for Humane Studies, and the Mont Pelerin Society. The chapter on the "Women of Libertarianism" features Isabel Paterson, Rose Wilder Lane and Ayn Rand. A superb introduction for the newcomer, yet rich and varied enough for others deeply read in the tradition.