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 enlarge | Author: Milton Friedman
Publisher: University Of Chicago Press
Category: Book
List Price: $16.00
Buy New: $11.45
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Rating:  124 reviews
Sales Rank: 1162
Format: Special Edition
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 230
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 8 x 5.1 x 0.6
ISBN: 0226264211
Dewey Decimal Number: 330.122
EAN: 9780226264219
ASIN: 0226264211
Publication Date: November 15, 2002
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Condition: Brand new item. Over 4 million customers served. Order now. Selling online since 1995. Few left in stock - order soon. Code: C20081229155828P
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| Customer Reviews:
 Read it for its historical importance April 2, 2007
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
"Capitalism and Freedom" is one of a series of books that Milton Friedman wrote with a more general audience in mind, as part of his battle against the pre-1980 economics consensus. Freidman was a believer in freedom, and to him, the free market was an essential part in ensuring that freedom. Today, his beliefs form the basis of most non-Marxist economic theory. Yet, when he wrote "Capitalism and Freedom", the consensus view following World Wars and economic disasters was that government intervention in the economy was not only beneficial, but was necessary. The world had seemed too complex, to uncertain for anything other than a heavily taxed and heavily regulated economy. The only disagreement was over the level of government intervention - a Keynesian state, an economy heavily directed by a Galbreaithian "new class" or a Marxian economy where the role of the private sector was practically non-existent.
Milton Friedman was one of a band of economists who challenged these views, not only in economics faculty lounges, but, more importantly, in the court of public opinion.
While this book is well written and persuasive, it is not as relevant today as some of his other works. This book was written at a time of a very different economy. For example, the book spends much time discussing the effect of the gold standard on economics and trade, something which has no relevance today.
In short, read the book for its historic value. If you want a Friedman book that is relevant for today, read "Free to Choose."
 Don't Read This Book........Unless You Want to Know Reality March 8, 2007
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
It is easy to see Mr. Friedman's influence on today's economy and politics (Democrates and Republicans). In recent interviews, he makes the point that most Americans were not ready to accept his ideas when this book was written over forty years ago, since most needed to have the experience of living with defective economic principles to actually realize their full negative impact on their lives. What is more amazing is the fact that many of Mr. Friedman's other recommendations have not been realized. Mr. Friedman makes the best case I've seen so far for school vouchers. A great book to read for those with open minds, a healthy fear of big government/business and a desire to see our economy fully prosper and meet the needs of its people.
One of the seminal books of the 20th Century February 23, 2007
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
Everyone should read this book whatever your political opinions. Even if you disagree with his positions, it will make you think. Friedman's Arguments are always clear, original, and thought-provoking. An excellent read, and surprisingly a page turner.
Prescient review of shortcomings of government February 7, 2007
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
This book (like Hayek's Road to Serfdom) will require you to frequently turn back to the publication information to convince yourself that it wasn't published in the last few years. It remains very topical, but is no longer the radical prescription it once was -- by force of will and arguement, Friedman has begun to revolutionize society.
An iconic classic... February 6, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This book is a terrific presentation of economic truths. As a minor note, this book was written many decades ago in the post WWII era and there is a bit of content that addresses the ridiculous laws that were in effect at that time. Specifically, it was against the law for private citizens to own gold bullion at that time. Friedman does take liberty with the notion of how counterproductive such laws are from an economic point of view. As someone that wasn't alive during that era (I was born in 61), it was a bit strange reading a book that referenced so much that was so alien to me.
Excellent read and certainly a true classic in economic understanding.
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