Libertarianism and Miscellaneous Good Books

by Jeffrey Miron
|
15 books
My list consists mainly of books about the appropriate size and scope of government. I also include a few other favorites, however, just for fun.
Read more... Read less...

Capitalism and Freedom

Fortieth Anniversary Edition
Milton Friedman, 2009
C&F is the classic exposition of the consequentialist (economic) case for small government.

The Libertarian Mind

A Manifesto for Freedom
David Boaz, 2015
David Boaz provides a superb explication and synthesis of the philosophical defense of libertarianism.

The Lemon Tree

An Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East
Sandy Tolan, 2008
A deeply thoughtful perspective on the conflicts in the Middle East.

Straight Man

A Novel
Richard Russo, 2011
An insightful and hysterical analysis of why academics are psychotic messes.

Saying Yes

In Defense of Drug Use
Jacob Sullum, 2004
A principled, careful, and consistent critique of drug prohibition.

The Handmaid's Tale

Margaret Atwood, 2011
A chilling, “fictional” critique of theocratic totalitarianism.

High Price

A Neuroscientist's Journey of Self-Discovery That Challenges Everything You Know About Drugs and Society
Carl Hart, 2013
A fascinating account of one man’s journey from poverty to success, combined with a trenchant critique of drug prohibition.

Robert A. Caro's The Years of Lyndon Johnson Set

The Path to Power; Means of Ascent; Master of the Senate; The Passage of Power
Robert A. Caro, 2013
A compelling account of how “power corrupts.”

Educated

A Memoir
Tara Westover, 2018
A deep look into one person’s ability to see beyond their own circumstances and forge a different path.

Escape from Camp 14

One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West
Blaine Harden, 2013
A horrifying portrayal of North Korea; about as far from libertarianism as one can get.

Blood, Bones & Butter

The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef
Gabrielle Hamilton, 2012
My favorite book about cooking, and an inspiring life story.

Born a Crime

Stories from a South African Childhood
Trevor Noah, 2016
A deeply thoughtful perspective on the evils of apartheid, combined with the compelling account of one person’s path to success.

Animal Farm and 1984

George Orwell, 2021
The two classic critiques of totalitarian government.

The Beautiful Tree

A personal journey into how the world's poorest people are educating themselves
James Tooley, 2013
Stunning documentation of how private mechanisms can produce quality education, even in the poorest societies.

Nothing to Envy

Ordinary Lives in North Korea
Barbara Demick, 2009
A riveting account of the experiences of escapees from North Korea.