Books

The following is a (partial) list of Robert P. Murphy’s books. Click the image to go to the Amazon page.

Choice: Cooperation, Enterprise, and Human Action (Independent Institute, 2015).

Murphy crystallizes the essential insights in Ludwig von Mises’ magnum opus, Human Action. An excellent introduction to Austrian economics, with particular emphasis on money, banking, and the business cycle.

The Politically Incorrect Guide to Capitalism (Regnery, 2007)

A fun summary of free-market thinking on various topics, such as the minimum wage, rent control, environmental protection, and product safety. Explains why government interventions actually cause the very problems people think they are solving.

The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Great Depression and the New Deal (Regnery, 2009)

A punchy tour of the history of the 1920s and 1930s, to explain the causes of the Great Depression and what made it last so long. Explains the difference between the Austrian and Keynesian explanations, but also the Monetarist (Milton Friedman) approach–which blames the Fed for not inflating enough. Through it all, Murphy shows that the Great Depression was not the fault of “unregulated capitalism.”

Lessons for the Young Economist (Mises Institute, 2010)

An introductory book explaining economics from the ground floor. Ideal for junior high homeschooling students, though even adults can benefit from it. A free PDF version available from the Mises Institute, plus the Teacher’s Manual to accompany the student text.

How Privatized Banking Really Works (2010)

With co-author Carlos Lara, this book links Austrian economics (with its focus on sound money and its analysis of fractional reserve banking) with the Infinite Banking Concept (IBC) as developed by R. Nelson Nash. Ideal for financial professionals, business owners, and heads of households who want a framework for navigating the economy ahead.

The Three Lads and the Lizard King (2013)

Murphy wrote this for his son. A children’s tale full of adventure and–yes–some economic insights as well.