
In this sharp‑witted essay collection, the author dismantles the arguments of protectionist policymakers by turning their own logic on its head. Through a series of concise “sophisms,” he exposes how tariffs and trade barriers often harm the very workers they claim to help, while inflating prices for everyday consumers. The style is lively and accessible, making a subject that can feel dry feel like a lively debate.
The work also delves into the broader implications of government‑imposed trade rules, linking them to questions of property rights, capital, and interest. By illustrating the unintended consequences of protectionist legislation, it invites listeners to reconsider long‑standing economic assumptions. Ideal for anyone curious about the roots of free‑trade arguments and the historical battles that shaped modern economic policy.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (524K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Graeme Mackreth, Curtis Weyant and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2006-12-22
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1801–1850
Best known for making economics vivid and memorable, this French writer and politician argued for free trade, limited government, and individual liberty with unusual wit and clarity. His essays and pamphlets still stand out for turning big public debates into sharp, readable prose.
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