Political Theory

Re: What is the best 'Austrian' book to refer on to non-believers?

Steve — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:06:15 GMT

I'll fourth the Economics in One Lesson suggestion.

Re: What is the best 'Austrian' book to refer on to non-believers?

ricarpe — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:00:12 GMT

I'll third Hazlitt's Economics in One Lesson.

Re: What is the best 'Austrian' book to refer on to non-believers?

Telpeurion — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 23:04:02 GMT

Economics in one lesson, or Mises' Liberalism.

Re: What is the best 'Austrian' book to refer on to non-believers?

hayekianxyz — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:55:16 GMT

The Revolution: A Manifesto?

Re: What is the best 'Austrian' book to refer on to non-believers?

meambobbo — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:10:40 GMT

I really like Economics in One Lesson by Hazlitt. It clearly lays a great foundation for free market economics without going to confusing or perturbing extremism.

Re: What is the best 'Austrian' book to refer on to non-believers?

Throatpoker — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:31:11 GMT

I agree with this one. Mises' way of writing is truly satisfying and soothing, he's completely lacking of any hostility, and seems like a grandpa telling a story.

Re: What is the best 'Austrian' book to refer on to non-believers?

Niccolò — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:15:33 GMT

Mark W:

Hi all,

I have a group of close friends with very left wing socialist (bordering on facist) views. We have lots of fun discussing politics, we me promoting the Austrian version (to no avail really). What I'd like to do is give them just one book that succinctly summarises the Austrian approach. Obviously a 1000 page treatise won't work. So what is the best book? Rand, Friedman, Mises, Hayek, Rothbard?

Any suggestions, experience?

Thanks Mark

I know a lot of people that were convinced of the marginalist solutions to economic problems through Henry Hazlitt's Economics in One Lesson.

This is the best book I can think of to get people hooked. However, with dealing with what you call "left wing socialists," perhaps Mary Ruwart's book would see the most success.

Re: What is the best 'Austrian' book to refer on to non-believers?

Telpeurion — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 21:44:34 GMT

I say Mises' book Liberalism. It is not overtly economic, and much more a philosophical and political statement; something that is easier to grasp for a lot of people. It goes through each liberal belief point by point.

Re: What is the best 'Austrian' book to refer on to non-believers?

liberty student — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 20:56:38 GMT

Jon Irenicus:
When I read it I was a monarchist and had not heard of libertarianism, and now I am a market anarchist.

Hail to the King!

Re: What is the best 'Austrian' book to refer on to non-believers?

Mark W — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 20:42:54 GMT

Thanks all. Some great suggestions which I'll follow up. Some many books, so little time...and no Amazon.com in Australia!!! Mark

Re: What is the best 'Austrian' book to refer on to non-believers?

Jon Irenicus — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:08:43 GMT

Yeah, it should be sufficient. You can always re-read the book later, anyway.

-Jon

Re: What is the best 'Austrian' book to refer on to non-believers?

hayekianxyz — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:01:44 GMT

Thanks, I guess I'll read MES first then. Is reading Callahan's book, Menger's Principles and some pieces by Hoppe and Rothbard of methodology enough to understand it? Rothbard's writing is usually quite easy and I've read the first chapter (although I'll go back and read it again) and it seemed understandable.

Re: What is the best 'Austrian' book to refer on to non-believers?

Jon Irenicus — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:57:09 GMT

Democracy - the god that failed and For a New Liberty.

-Jon

Re: What is the best 'Austrian' book to refer on to non-believers?

Trianglechoke7 — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:51:42 GMT

What's DTGTF and FANL?

Re: What is the best 'Austrian' book to refer on to non-believers?

Jon Irenicus — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:54:48 GMT

It'll be much clearer if you read it after as it extends many of Rothbard's/Mises's arguments, but you don't have to.

-Jon