Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Libertarian Review Foundation (1985), Edition: 3, 333 pages
Description
"A classic that for over two decades has been hailed as the best general work on libertarianism available. Rothbard begins with a quick overview of its historical roots, and then goes on to define libertarianism as resting "upon one single axiom: that no man or group of men shall aggress upon the person or property of anyone else." He writes a withering critique of the chief violator of liberty: the State. Rothbard then provides penetrating libertarian solutions for many of today's most pressing problems, including poverty, war, threats to civil liberties, the education crisis, and more." --provided by Goodreads.
User reviews
LibraryThing member steve.clason
I agree with almost nothing in this book, and find the arguments facile, the examples contrived, the analogies false, and the general intellectual tone shallow and utterly unconvincing.
The best criticism comes from the book itself (p. 217): "Every reader of detective fiction knows that private
But, none of that means this is a bad book. It's a good book: well-organized, easy to follow, covering a lot of ground simply, clearly and coherently. It's written for the ones who have already drank the Kool-Aid and so provides talking points, not really arguments, and it's a breeze to get through.
If you want to know how radical libertarians think, this is a very good place to start. Much of the content is dated (the book was originally published in 1973), so read fast and be prepared to skip large sections.
The best criticism comes from the book itself (p. 217): "Every reader of detective fiction knows that private
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insurance detectives are far more efficient than the police in recovering stolen property." That is the caliber of the argument throughout: it's easy to pretend X, therefore X is the case.But, none of that means this is a bad book. It's a good book: well-organized, easy to follow, covering a lot of ground simply, clearly and coherently. It's written for the ones who have already drank the Kool-Aid and so provides talking points, not really arguments, and it's a breeze to get through.
If you want to know how radical libertarians think, this is a very good place to start. Much of the content is dated (the book was originally published in 1973), so read fast and be prepared to skip large sections.
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LibraryThing member JohnRolstead
This book lays out the foundation for a Libertarian ideal. It goes step by step, showing how a society would function under libertarian principles. What may be the most important point is how to proceed from here. The author lays out a plan of attack. He states that education without including
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action is a waste of time. This book is easy to read and yet very cogent. Show Less
LibraryThing member MMSequeira
Fundamental read to understand the modern libertarian movement in the USA.
LibraryThing member RonManners
"For a New Liberty is the manifesto of a vital new movement—libertarianism—that is rapidly making obsolete the pigeonholes of left and right, liberal and conservative. Libertarianism is the most important thing to hit American politics in decades—it is the common meeting ground for
Murray N. Rothbard, because of his highly informative and provocative books and articles, is the acknowledged spokesman for this exciting grass roots movement. In For a New Liberty, Rothbard provides a penetrating and enlightening rationale for his approach, and applies the libertarian idea to every aspect of politics. In the course of this, he shows why the government should stop interfering. with the way you run your business, spend your money, educate your children, or shape your life. And he shows, too, how we the people can make the government stop."
Taken from the Back Cover.
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middle-class taxpayers in revolt, advocates of increased freedom of personal life-styies, disadvantaged peoples struggling against the oppression of the new class of bureaucrats and special interests, business people worn down by government regulation, and those who demand an end to perpetual confrontation and war in foreign affairs. Libertarianism is the most eagerly discussed new idea in politics today.Murray N. Rothbard, because of his highly informative and provocative books and articles, is the acknowledged spokesman for this exciting grass roots movement. In For a New Liberty, Rothbard provides a penetrating and enlightening rationale for his approach, and applies the libertarian idea to every aspect of politics. In the course of this, he shows why the government should stop interfering. with the way you run your business, spend your money, educate your children, or shape your life. And he shows, too, how we the people can make the government stop."
Taken from the Back Cover.
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LibraryThing member steshaw
How a society organised without rulers might work. i.e. political anarchy (not to be confused with violence, chaos and disorder).
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1973
1978 (rev.)
Physical description
333 p.; 8.2 inches
ISBN
0930073029 / 9780930073022