Bastiat was a French liberal of the 19th century and perhaps the best popularizer of free market economics ever. This collection centers around his criticisms of protectionism and defenses of free trade. He takes on all the fallacies of his day, most of which are fallacies of our own day as well. Of particular note is the inclusion of his famous “Petition” from the candle makers and other demanding that sunshine be blocked from entering houses so as to stimulate the economy by forcing people to buy artificial light. That essay is the economics equivalent of Jonathan Swift’s “Modest Proposal.” The case for free trade has perhaps never been better made than here.
Also from the FEE Library
“Stalin as Classical Economist” by Henry Hazlitt by Henry Hazlitt
“Stalin as Classical Economist” by Henry Hazlitt. October 20, 1952 Newsweek Business Tides column about Stalin’s need to adapt more market policies in the Soviet Union.
Textbook of Americanism By Ayn Rand by Ayn Rand
An Essay by Ayn Rand originally for The Vigil. In this essay, which is incomplete (as Rand wished to continue but did not), Rand asks and answers ten questions dealing with the differences between individualism and collectivism.
Letter From F.A. “Baldy” Harper to Henry Hazlitt March 17, 1948 by F.A. Harper
Letter From F.A. “Baldy” Harper to Henry Hazlitt March 17, 1948 discussing the House Agricultural Committee shelving the oleo (margarine) tax repeal bill.
Castles In The Air by Leonard E. Read
Castles In The Air is one of former FEE president Leonard E. Read’s books on the morality and virtues of freedom and liberty. Read explains why it is vital that we return to the visions of our founding fathers in order for us to attain prosperity.
Cliches of Socialism Number 24 by W.M. Curtiss
“Federal aid is all right if it doesn’t bring federal control.”
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