Liberalism, The Classical Tradition
By Ludwig Von Mises
ISBN 13: 978-0-86597-586-6

Ludwig Von Mises (1881-1973) was one of the leading defenders and proponents of freedom in the market place and freedom in society.  As an author and teacher, he was one of the leading voices of the "Austrian" school of economics. 

Liberalism, The Classical Tradition is Mises' effort to explain and defend the historical movement of individual freedom, from the era between the Napoleonic Wars and the First World War to the time of its publication in 1927.  Classical liberalism, as Mises carefully explains, is the historical movement that favors the political and economic policies that recognize the individual and his rights of freedom, property, equality, and life.  

In such societies where individual freedom is so recognized, the arbitrary power of government is limited, markets and their consumers are free.  Consequently, the standard of living is highest due to the material prosperity that issues forth from free and dynamic markets. "Historically, liberalism was the first political movement that aimed at promoting the welfare of all, not that of special groups." (From the Introduction.)

The true "liberal" opposes the age-old tyranny of excessive government control of the lives and livelihoods of individuals.  The history of precapitalist society is a history of force, control, and unfreedom.  To be liberal, in the context of world history, is to prefer individual liberty, free markets, and the prosperity that follows.

Being an excellent economist and a good writer, Mises makes an opportunity to guide the reader into the specifics of economic policy after laying out the historical backdrop of classical liberalism.   Liberalism walks the reader through the introductory remarks on classical liberalism, foundations and history, economic policy, foreign policy, political parties, and the future of liberalism.  Those interested in educating themselves on individual freedom need to spend time with this book.