The Libertarian Reader Classic and Contemporary Writings from Lao Tzu to Milton Friedman or Earth in the Balance

The Libertarian Reader: Classic and Contemporary Writings from Lao-Tzu to Milton Friedman

Author: David Boaz

The first collection of seminal writings on a movement that is rapidly changing the face of American politics, The Libertarian Reader links some of the most fertile minds of our time to a centuries-old commitment to freedom, self-determination, and opposition to intrusive government. A movement that today counts among its supporters Steve Forbes, Nat Hentoff, and P.J. O'Rourke, libertarianism joins a continuous thread of political reason running throughout history.

Writing in 1995 about the large numbers of Americans who say they'd welcome a third party, David Broder of The Washington Post commented, "The distinguishing characteristic of these potential independent voters—aside from their disillusionment with Washington politicians of both parties—is their libertarian streak. They are skeptical of the Democrats because they identify them with big government. They are wary of the Republicans because of the growing influence within the GOP of the religious right."

In The Libertarian Reader, David Boaz has gathered the writers and works that represent the building blocks of libertarianism. These individuals have spoken out for the basic freedoms that have made possible the flowering of spiritual, moral, and economic life. For all independent thinkers, this unique sourcebook will stand as a classic reference for years to come, and a reminder that libertarianism is one of our oldest and most venerable American traditions.

New interesting textbook: Last Food of England or Cooks Pocket Companion

Earth in the Balance

Author: Al Gor

A passionate and lifelong defender of the environment, Vice President Al Gore describes in this classic best-selling book how human actions and decisions can endanger or safeguard the vulnerable ecosystem that sustains us all. The book's groundbreaking analysis helped place the environment on the national agenda, summoning politicians, the media, and the public to attention and action. The message remains just as urgent today as it did eight years ago: while much has been accomplished, we must meet a global environmental challenge that reaches into every aspect of our society.
In brave and unforgettable terms, Earth in the Balance probes the roots of the environmental crisis and offers a bold and forceful vision of a new, more sustainable path. Having provoked international discussion upon its original publication, it continues to confront us with profound challenges. Human civilization must change its course if we are to heal our ailing environment and preserve the earth's ecology for future generations.
Vice President Gore describes in a new foreword to this classic what we have achieved and what remains to be done, and issues a clarion call to begin the millennium with an "Environment Decade." It is time to reflect deeply on the fate of our planet and commit ourselves to its future.

Publishers Weekly

Vice President-elect Gore explains the necessity of enviromentalism and offers bold initiatives for change in this thoughtful, compelling primer, a QPB selection and PW bestseller. Illustrations. (Jan.)

School Library Journal

YA-- Too often, environmental challenges are presented in such a way that the more one learns, the more hopeless it all seems. Earth in the Balance does not shrink from the magnitude and painfulness of the conflicts YAs will soon inherit, but it also gives encouragement, offering the possibility of resolution. A passionate yet clearheaded exposition of a worldwide crisis is the starting point of this courageous book. Retracing his own journey, Gore leads readers toward a greater understanding of humanity and toward thinking beyond currently perceived limitations. With often stunning insight, he looks at how ``dysfunctional civilization,'' political realities, and religious traditions have helped to shape the current global ecological situation. This breadth of perspective should speak to a diversity of readers, while the final section, outlining a plausible plan of action, can capture the imaginations of practical as well as idealistic readers. The book may seem daunting to some, but its 3-part, 15-chapter structure, which allows readers to browse at will, should make it accessible enough to most YAs.-- Christine C. Menefee, Fairfax County Public Library, VA

Booknews

Senator (and vice presidential candidate) Gore (Democrat, Tennessee) demonstrates that the quality of air, water, and soil is at grave risk, not only locally or regionally but globally, and argues that only a radical rethinking of the human relationship with nature can save the earth's ecology for future generations. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Table of Contents:

	Foreword to the Plume Edition
	Introduction	1
Pt. I	Balance at Risk
1	Ships in the Desert	19
2	The Shadow Our Future Throws	36
3	Climate and Civilization: A Short History	56
4	Buddha's Breath	81
5	If the Well Goes Dry	99
6	Skin Deep	115
7	Seeds of Privation	126
8	The Wasteland	145
Pt. II	The Search for Balance
9	Self-Stewardship	167
10	Eco-nomics: Truth or Consequences	182
11	We Are What We Use	197
12	Dysfunctional Civilization	216
13	Environmentalism of the Spirit	238
Pt. III	Striking the Balance
14	A New Common Purpose	269
15	A Global Marshall Plan	295
	Conclusion	361
	Acknowledgments	371
	Notes	374
	Bibliography	386
	Index	394
	Credits	408