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Summary: David Boaz Defines Libertarianism
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Libertarianism: A Primer by David Boaz is the definitive work of Libertarianism. I commend the author in what is sure to be a must-have for anyone who treasures liberty. As the Executive Vice President of the Cato Institute - my favorite political policy institute - Mr. Boaz already understands more about our current political system and problems than other famous libertarians. He goes one step further; writing a superior book which is both interesting and easy to understand.
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Summary: Guaranteed to make you think!
Review: A very good, intellectually stimulating book on modern Libertarianism. This is a short but packed book that is a must read regardless of your political beliefs. It is certainly guaranteed to make you think.
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Summary: Good, but if you must choose, read Charles Murray
Review: Although not a hard-hitting manifesto like Charles Murray's What It Means To Be A Libertarian (one of my favorite books), Libertarianism: A Primer provides an excellent overview of the intellectual development of libertarianism. It's a much more historically oriented book than Murray's, a study of people as much as a study of ideas, from Adam Smith to Murray Rothbard and Ayn Rand.But the ideas are still here, and they are well presented with strong arguments for all of the typical libertarian core issues- downsizing of government, privitization of services, legalization of drugs, open borders, free-market protection of the environment, etc, etc. I consider myself a libertarian, although I'm still not sure whether I agree with all the mainstays of hardcore libertarianism. This book provides a balanced, moderate approach without coming across as either too conservative or too wild-eyed-and-fringe. Charles Murray's book has more intellectual weight, but I also recommend this book for a deeper understanding of the historical background of truly freedom-oriented politics.
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Summary: A convincing case argued with conviction
Review: As an introduction to libertarianism, David Boaz's "Libertarianism: A Primer" is often compared with Charles Murray's "What It Means to Be a Libertarian" which also came out in 1997. They are both excellent, but completely different in style and approach. Where Murray's book is "a personal interpretation," David Boaz ranges widely, with lots of references to the many contributors to libertarian thought. Murray's book is more concise and a quicker read, but Boaz packs in a lot more material, making a more overwhelming argument. Both are modern explanations of libertarianism, with refined arguments benefiting from the experience and academic developments of recent years. For someone completely new to libertarianism looking to get started, I would recommend Murray's book first, then David Boaz's Primer, and finally Boaz's Libertarian Reader.
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Summary: A convincing case argued with conviction
Review: As an introduction to libertarianism, David Boaz's "Libertarianism: A Primer" is often compared with Charles Murray's "What It Means to Be a Libertarian" which also came out in 1997. They are both excellent, but completely different in style and approach. Where Murray's book is "a personal interpretation," David Boaz ranges widely, with lots of references to the many contributors to libertarian thought. Murray's book is more concise and a quicker read, but Boaz packs in a lot more material, making a more overwhelming argument. Both are modern explanations of libertarianism, with refined arguments benefiting from the experience and academic developments of recent years. For someone completely new to libertarianism looking to get started, I would recommend Murray's book first, then David Boaz's Primer, and finally Boaz's Libertarian Reader.
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Summary: Well documented history, economics, and social issues
Review: Boaz discusses the history of Libertarian thought which is a good introduction to the actual analysis of political policy. Unlike other books, "Libertarianism" addresses not only the economic issues, but also the social issues. The arguments are well laid out.
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Summary: good
Review: Boaz does a good job at providing a basis for the principles of libertarian thought and operation. I suggest this book for anyone who is interested in libertarianism as a good starting point. For those of you who feel that Boaz states his argument in terms that were just too "infuriatingly simple" and were were offended by the temerity of an author who would dare challenge the ideas of those "alot smarter than him," I would suggest (as you remind yourself that opponents of the theory of evolution make identical statements regarding Darwin and his predecessors) you delve into the any of the works of Frederich Hayek, Milton Friedman, Richard Epstein, or Thomas Sowell. If intellectual rigor is your desire, you won't be disappointed. I also suggest Boas' companion to Libertariansim: A Primer, The Libertarian Reader: Classic and Contemporary Writings from Lao-Tzu to Milton Friedman.
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Summary: An outstanding treatise on the concepts of Libertarianism
Review: Boaz effectively combines historical and current events with principles of economics and law to present a thorough, air-tight case for libertarianism. In his book, Boaz takes us through the evolution of libertarianism, discusses the libertarian virtues of individualism, limited government, free markets, spontaneous order, etc., and applies them to contemporary issues -- social security, education, racism, poverty, etc. Boaz proves overwhelmingly that the libertarian beliefs of freedom and individualism are the way to go in the next century. A must read for anyone interested in politics, philosophy and economics.
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Summary: A provocative introduction
Review: Boaz's introduction to libertarianism, while not a hefty work of scholarship on the position, certainly qualifies as a stimulating encapsulation. To be fair to critics of libertarianism, Boaz's book passes over some of the darker implications of an unyielding libertarian perspective. This book is also a foil to the shorter but more challenging What It Means to Be a Libertarian by Charles Murray in that it only lays out the starting points of certain political positions, neglecting more idiosyncratic variants. To its credit, the book addresses the confused and out-dated concept of the political spectrum and outlines why libertarians are beyond left and right. More discussion in this area could possibly move us beyond quibbles over where to spend all of our tax dollars and instead question the proper relationship between government and the individual. In sum, a good introduction for those unfamiliar with libertarianism and concerned about the current structure of our political dialogue.
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Summary: An Introduction to Libertarian Ideas
Review: David Boaz presents a well- written introduction to the future of political thought in America: the Libertarian Party. As people become more and more impatient with the inefficiency of big government, they will start to look more closely at the Libertarian solutions to government failure. Boaz really hits the nail on the head with his discussions on freedom of choice vs. government intervention. His discussions are brief, but to the point. He speaks in a persuasive way without being too negative or forceful in his arguments. I am a member of the Libertarian Party, so I already hold many of the same positions as the author. But I still found the book to be an enjoyable read and a good starting point for beginners who are looking for answers to satisfy their curious political minds. After you finish reading this, loan it to a friend. And let the Libertarian revolution begin!
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