Capitalism and commerce : conceptual foundations of free enterprise /

This libertarian manifesto is notable for its broad-brush depiction of liberty and freedom, imperiled by modern institutions and awaiting the just return to free market principles ordained by natural law. According to Younkins (Wheeling Jesuit Univ., editor of Three in One: Essays on Democratic Capitalism, 1976-2000, CH, Nov'01), laissez faire capitalism, resting on the moral concept of private property, enables morality to flourish in an environment of voluntary associations composing a civil society where the coercive power of the state is limited to defending the natural right to pursue happiness. Obstructing the creation of this free society are the collectivist thinkers, communitarians, environmentalists, supporters of public education, and a host of other institutions, including the Federal Reserve. Appendix includes "A Reader's Guide to Free-Market Organizations and Periodicals." Prone to sweeping assertions and weakened by the fragmented structure of 29 loosely connected essays, the book's appeal is likely limited to true believers. ^BSumming Up: Optional. Comprehensive general and academic collections. R. S. Hewett Drake University