chrishudsonjr's Reviews (121)

informative reflective medium-paced

From foundational concepts to policy issues to critiques, Zwolinski and Ferguson have put together arguably *the* definitive reference on libertarianism. Whether you’re sympathetic or not at all, very familiar with libertarianism or not at all, you’ll find something of value in this book. For me personally, I was surprised to find some of the most interesting chapters to be the ones that at first glance seemed the most simple or dull. For example, the chapters on Property Rights and Taxes by van der Vossen and Fleischer respectively. The most original (and important) contribution in my opinion is Jason Lee Byas’ impressive chapter exploring libertarian thought on Rectification for Historical Injustices. Pick this book up if you get the chance.
adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
informative medium-paced

My new go-to recommendation for libertarianism and its history.
challenging informative medium-paced

That women's advocates inadvertently (but sometimes advertently) contributed to mass incarceration in the U.S. is an uncomfortable thesis, but one that Gruber argues convincingly. The tone of the book can be jarring to many unfamiliar or unsympathetic readers. However, this remains an important contribution for those who care about gender, violence, and meaningful criminal justice reform.
adventurous tense fast-paced
adventurous medium-paced
adventurous informative mysterious tense fast-paced
informative medium-paced

I really wanted to like this book. David Friedman is clearly a unique thinker as several very interesting chapters will attest to. But unfortunately, the majority of the book either feels very dated or too poorly organized to make for a compelling read in full. It's unclear who the audience is intended to be. Most of the book is available for free online so I'd recommend just reading the specific chapters that interest you if needed.