272. Mises Institute's Tom DiLorenzo

Joanna Pope Mellish's "Disowning Slavery: How the North Betrayed Its Antislavery Ideals" examines the complexities of the relationship between the North and slavery in the United States. Mellish argues that while the North officially opposed slavery, its economic and social structures were deeply intertwined with the institution. She explores the ways in which Northern businesses and individuals profited from slavery, highlighting the hypocrisy and contradictions of the North's antislavery stance. Mellish's work challenges the simplistic narrative of a morally unified North opposed to a morally corrupt South. The book provides a nuanced and critical perspective on the history of slavery in the United States.

Tom DiLorenzo's "Hamilton's Curse: How Jefferson's Principles Were Betrayed" offers a critical perspective on Alexander Hamilton's legacy. DiLorenzo argues that Hamilton's policies laid the groundwork for the expansion of government power and the erosion of individual liberty. He examines Hamilton's economic policies, his views on the Constitution, and his influence on the development of American political economy. DiLorenzo's work challenges the conventional narrative surrounding Hamilton, highlighting the negative consequences of his actions. The book is a significant contribution to understanding the historical development of American political economy and the ongoing debate over the role of government.

Murray Rothbard's "The Progressive Era" provides a critical analysis of the Progressive movement in the United States. Rothbard argues that the Progressive Era, far from being a period of reform, was a time of increased government intervention and expansion of state power. He examines the economic and political consequences of Progressive policies, highlighting their negative impact on individual liberty and economic growth. Rothbard's work emphasizes the importance of free markets and limited government, contrasting the Progressive vision with a libertarian perspective. The book is a significant contribution to understanding the historical development of American political economy.

John Steele Gordon's "Hamilton's Blessing: The Extraordinary Life and Times of Alexander Hamilton" offers a positive assessment of Alexander Hamilton's contributions to American history. Gordon highlights Hamilton's role in shaping the nation's financial system and his vision for a strong central government. He examines Hamilton's political strategies, his economic policies, and his influence on the development of American capitalism. Gordon's work provides a detailed and nuanced portrait of Hamilton, acknowledging both his strengths and weaknesses. The book is a valuable contribution to understanding the complexities of early American history and the formation of the nation's political and economic institutions.

Jim Powell's "Greatest Emancipations: The Story of How Slavery Ended in the World" provides a comprehensive account of the abolition of slavery in various countries. Powell examines the diverse factors that contributed to the end of slavery, including economic changes, social movements, and political reforms. He highlights the roles of various individuals and organizations in the fight against slavery, showcasing the diverse strategies employed to achieve emancipation. Powell's work challenges the conventional narrative surrounding the abolition of slavery, emphasizing the peaceful and gradual nature of the process in many parts of the world. The book is a valuable contribution to understanding the complex history of slavery and its eventual demise.

This collection of essays by Friedrich Hayek, "Hayek for the 21st Century," offers a selection of his most insightful and relevant works. The essays cover a range of topics, including the role of markets, the limitations of government intervention, and the importance of individual liberty. Hayek's writings provide a powerful critique of central planning and a compelling defense of free markets. The essays are known for their clarity, their intellectual rigor, and their enduring relevance to contemporary economic and political issues. This collection is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding Hayek's contributions to economic thought.

Ida Tarbell's "The History of the Standard Oil Company" is a landmark work of investigative journalism. The book details the rise of Standard Oil under John D. Rockefeller, exposing its monopolistic practices and ruthless business tactics. Tarbell's meticulous research and compelling narrative revealed the company's aggressive strategies to eliminate competition and control the oil industry. Her work played a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing antitrust legislation. The book remains a classic example of investigative journalism and its power to hold corporations accountable.

In this book, Murray N. Rothbard provides a detailed history of money, tracing its development from early barter systems to the gold standard and finally to modern systems of paper money. He argues that government interference with money has led to inflation, economic instability, and the erosion of the value of currency. Rothbard also presents a case for a return to a 100 percent gold standard, arguing that it would promote honesty and ethical behavior in government and banking. The book is known for its clear and passionate explanation of Austrian economic theory and its critique of central banking and fiat money[3][5][4].

In 'Broken Money', Lyn Alden delves into the evolution of money, from ancient forms like shells and gold to modern technologies such as central banks and Bitcoin. The book examines the theoretical foundations and practical implications of various monetary systems, highlighting how technology drives global financial changes. Alden also explores the human impact of money and how new monetary technologies shape societal power structures. The book aims to provide readers with a deep understanding of money's past, present, and potential future, including emerging technologies that could improve the current financial system.

Human Action is Ludwig von Mises' magnum opus, where he defends an a priori foundation for praxeology and methodological individualism. The book argues that the free-market economy outdistances any government-planned system and serves as the foundation of civilization. Mises explains complex market phenomena as the outcomes of countless conscious, purposive actions and choices of individuals. He critiques government attempts to regulate and control economic activities, emphasizing the futility and counter-productiveness of such interventions. The book is a systematic treatment of the whole body of social and economic relations, integrating various economic problems into a comprehensive system[2][4][5].

Man, Economy, and State is a seminal work in Austrian economics, written by Murray N. Rothbard. The book develops the entire body of economic theory step-by-step, starting from incontestable axioms and addressing complex issues such as business cycle theory and monopoly theory. It also includes a critique of government intervention in markets, which is further elaborated in the companion text, Power and Market. Rothbard's work is known for its clear and rigorous presentation of economic principles, emphasizing the importance of individual action and the free market. The book is considered a modern classic and ranks alongside Ludwig von Mises's Human Action as a cornerstone of the Austrian School of economics.

The Great Deformation is a detailed critique of the corruption of capitalism in America. David Stockman argues that the country's economic policies have been hijacked by crony capitalist forces, leading to fiscal cliffs, speculative finance, and the enrichment of a few at the expense of the many. The book traces the historical roots of these issues, from Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal to the policies of recent administrations, including those of George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Stockman also highlights the role of the Federal Reserve and key figures like Alan Greenspan and Ben Bernanke in fostering bubble finance and debt addiction. The book contrasts these with statesmen who championed sound fiscal policies and free market discipline[1][4][5].

This biography by Ron Chernow provides an in-depth look at John D. Rockefeller, Sr., the founder of Standard Oil and one of the most influential figures in American history. Drawing on unprecedented access to Rockefeller’s private papers, Chernow reconstructs Rockefeller’s troubled origins, his single-minded pursuit of wealth, and his profound religiosity. The book also delves into Rockefeller’s philanthropic efforts, including his generous donations to the Rockefeller Foundation, the University of Chicago, and Rockefeller University. Chernow’s narrative synthesizes Rockefeller’s public and private lives, revealing a complex and multifaceted individual who was both a ruthless businessman and a devoted philanthropist. The book captures a pivotal moment in American history, documenting the post-Civil War shift from small businesses to giant corporations and featuring cameos by notable figures such as Ida Tarbell, Andrew Carnegie, and J.P. Morgan.

In 'Economics in One Lesson', Henry Hazlitt provides a concise and instructive introduction to economics by dissecting common economic fallacies. The book's central lesson is that good economics involves considering the long-term and indirect consequences of any policy for all groups, not just the immediate effects on a specific group. Hazlitt uses examples like the 'broken window fallacy' to illustrate how focusing only on immediate benefits can overlook the broader, often negative, consequences. The book advocates for free markets, economic liberty, and non-governmental solutions, making it a critical read for understanding basic economic principles and the pitfalls of government intervention[1][4][5].