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Modern Libertarianism

A Brief History of Classical Liberalism in the United States

From the author of Radicals for Capitalism comes this concise account of the intellectual roots of the American libertarian movement.

• Published By Libertarianism.org
By Brian Doherty

In this lively new history, Brian Doherty provides a concise, thorough account of the intellectual roots of the American libertarian movement, with helpful summaries of key figures, institutions, and events. Modern Libertarianism effortlessly combines historical insights and intellectual profiles of important figures—including Ludwig von Mises, F. A. Hayek, Ayn Rand, Murray Rothbard, Milton Friedman, and Barry Goldwater—and key institutions such as the Foundation of Economic Education and the Mont Pelerin Society.

A superb introduction for the newcomer, yet rich and varied enough for those steeped in the libertarian tradition, Modern Libertarianism is a tribute to those who advocated for the cause of political liberty in America in the 20th century.


Praise for the book

“Anyone looking for a lively, succinct history of the libertarian movement in the United States will find no better guide than Brian Doherty. Idiosyncratic personalities and eccentric ideas come alive in this book. Both fans and critics of libertarianism will walk away from it entertained and edified.”
—MATT ZWOLINSKI, coauthor of The Individualists: Radicals, Reactionaries, and the Struggle for the Soul of Libertarianism

“Brian Doherty’s Modern Libertarianism is the result of several decades of serious study of the ideas and history of the spread of classical liberalism in America.… Modern Libertarianism is a must read for all who study intellectual and political movements, and especially those who are students of liberty.”
—PETER BOETTKE, Distinguished University Professor of Economics, George Mason University

About the author

Brian Doherty is a senior editor at Reason magazine. He is the author of six books, and his reporting and commentary have appeared in dozens of radio and TV programs and over 100 publications, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Mother Jones, Wired, and Spin. He won the Thomas S. Szasz Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Cause of Civil Liberties in 2011.