No comments about Social and Economic Control of Alcohol: The 21st Amendment in the 21st Century (Public Administration and Public Policy).

2 comments about The Commercial Society: Foundations and Challenges in a Global Age (Studies in Ethics and Economics).

1. Drawing upon ancient and modern sources, "The Commercial Society" is one of those books that remind us that commercial order is about much more than the market economy. Using clear language free of jargon, this prize-winning book (Templeton Enterprise Award 2007) identifies the central moral, legal, and economic foundations of market orders and illustrates why they are indispensable to any society that aspires to the title of free and civilized.
   
   Many have been waiting for such a book for a long time. Not since reading Wilhelm Ropke have I come across a book that articulates such a strong and morally-convincing case for free societies shaped decisively by the dominance of free enterprise and markets, but in a way that escapes the mathematical justifications offered by most contemporary economists.
   
   It is difficult to classify this book as "conservative" or "classical liberal", not least because the author utilizes sources from both traditions, such as Edmund Burke, Adam Smith, Friedrich von Hayek, and Alexis de Tocqueville. It is, in short, a book grounded firmly in various strands of the Western tradition, especially that synthesized in the Scottish Enlightenment, but prefigured by a number of late-medieval and early-modern thinkers, such as Thomas Aquinas. It is refreshing to read a text that is so unambiguously committed to authentic human liberty, but which cannot be boxed so easily in any one intellectual paradigm.
   
   Those inclined to planned economies or socialism will find this book very challenging to their core beliefs. "The Commercial Society", however, does not seek to persuade by hectoring. Nor does it suggest that commercial order contains all the answers to humanity's questions and problems. Rather, it expresses its arguments through logic, by carefully marshaling the facts, and judiciously surveying history. The book closes with a sophisticated discussion of the possibility of building commercial orders as opposed to simply letting them evolve. It is one of the most intriguing discussions I have read of a problem that has puzzled thinkers such as Smith, Montesquieu and Tocqueville - this alone makes the book worth reading.



2. Gregg has written an excellent book. This book, in it essence, is a very lucid scholarly, accurate historical-conceptual study of the causal correlations between the commercial society and what Gregg calls its "foundations", meaning the conditions that favor the commercial society. These include moral foundations (e.g., creativity, practical wisdom, trust, civility), economic foundations and legal-political foundations. But to read this book merely as a descriptive study is to miss the more important prescriptive thesis, which is that we ought to encourage and promote the commercial society. Beware, again of missing the important prescriptive thesis if one reads in Gregg merely the suggestion that an appropriate culture supporting these foundations( which intellectuals have a role to shape) needs to be defended and encouraged *in order to* have a commercial society. Rather the equally interesting, if not more interesting proposal, is that one might promote the commercial society *in order to* promote those desirable moral, economic and legal political foundations, which have themselves independent value, and which constitute a culture of civility. So what turned out originally to be means for the sake of the end (i.e., the commercial society) are now proposed as the ends worth seeking via the establishment of the commercial society. Gregg does not harbour pie-in-the-sky illusions: there remains many fine-tuning to be done, and he is alert to these, as seen in his careful qualifications. But this strategy for promoting the culture of civility, if I may, by way of the commercial society needs to be explored, since the causal correlative connections are much in evidence. In inviting us to think this way, Gregg is offering us an example of what Herbert Simon (Nobel Prize in economics, 1978) calls goaless designing (The Sciences of the Artificial, 1983), which he recommends as a fully rational and creative way of designing and engineering society. One seeks a solution (A) for a certain problem (B), but along the way, one discovers that the solution (B) itself is a desirable end, and one can reasonably pursue that (B) instead as the end of the design. Social planning, which aims to improve society, can certainly develop in this way, and the social planner or designer has to be alert, like an entrepreneur, to possibilities, consequences and hence opportunities that result from his solution, and to consider if the solution and the consequences might not itself be worth seeking, and not merely valuable instrumentally. If it is independently valuable, then it might in fact be sought after as the end goal, and what formerly was the end may now be sought instrumentally for the sake of the new end goal, to the extent that there is evidence that they mutually support each other. Gregg's The Commercial Society is just one such kind of design solution for improving the society. Thus it constantly invites us not merely to consider defending the foundations and civil cultures for the sake of the commercial society, but rather that we might consider crafting and engineering the commercial society for the sake of such a civil culture. Gregg pursues here, one might add, a way of thinking found in Michael Novak's works where he invites us to consider the way commercial society requires (and hence promotes) human creativity, which then can be ordered towards imaging God's own creativity. Whether one fully agrees with Gregg or not, one will have to take this work seriously. This is a fine text to challenge policy thinking that many times is senselessly linear and uncreative. Gregg was awarded the very prestigious Culture of Enterprise Award for this book. I am not at all suprised.

2 comments about Agricultural and Food Policy (6th Edition).

1. The 4th edition of this text was a truly outstanding edition. It fit the needs of a wider vairety of courses ranging from the traditional Ag Policy course to courses focusing on the environment and rual development. Unfotunately, this is 5th edtion. If the reader wants a "CLiff-Notes" version then this is the text. It lacks the depth and breadth of a decent college textbook. The authors would have served the academic community much better by giving this watered down fifth edition a totally new title while leaving the 4th edition in print.

   I have taught Agricultural Policy for a number of years. Count me out on adopting this edition.




2. It's a shame that these respected Agricultural Economists would allow such a poor example of a textbook to be published under their names. While there may be some meagre updates, the book is so watered down that it is probably more appropriate to a high school class than college. In addition, at 54 cents a page, its price far exceeds the price of most other quality books dealing with agriculture. A decent faculty member would never, in good conscience, require that students purchase this book.

No comments about A Handbook of Primary Commodities in the Global Economy.

5 comments about Capitalism: A Treatise on Economics.

1. Capitalism: A Treatise on Economics is an exhaustive defense of laissez-faire capitalism as prerequisite for continued progress of material
   civilization.
   
   By integrating forgotten but sound principles of such classical economists as Smith, Ricardo, Say, and James and John Stuart Mill with equally sound principles of such Austrian economists as Menger, B�hm-Bawerk, Wieser, and Mises, Reisman develops powerful and highly original theories of aggregate profit and interest, saving and capital accumulation, wages, and aggregate economic accounting. In the course of presenting these theories, he demonstrates the role of technological innovation in reducing prices and increasing the supply of capital goods. He demonstrates that the economic function of businessmen and capitalists is to raise the productivity of labor and thereby the standard of living of the average wage earner. By applying his developed theories in scholarly but compulsively readable detail, Reisman dismantles Marxism, Keynesianism, the "monopoly" and "oligopoly" doctrines, environmentalism, and all fundamental forms of socialism and interventionism. This book is at once an introductory, intermediate, and advanced text on economic theory, as well as a mine of information on current political and economic issues.



2. George Reisman's book CAPITALISM is impressive on many levels. Most notably, the book is big - over 1000 double-spaced pages. Dr. Reisman covers just about every subject necessary for a full-orbed defense of capitalism, including some that have come up since Murray Rothbard and Ludwig von Mises's treatises such as environmentalism, socialized medicine, racism and the energy "crisis."
   
   Dr. Reisman's intellectual pedigree is interesting. He studied under Ludwig von Mises and also came under the influence of Ayn Rand. This treatise is not an updated version of MAN, ECONOMY, AND STATE and HUMAN ACTION. Reisman freely acknowledges his debt to classical economics and on certain issues, such as the relationship between prices and the cost of production. He calls his work "Austro-classical."
   
   I'm not an economist, so I can't say whether Dr. Reisman's fusion of Austrian and classical economics is an improvement over Austrian economics. At the same time, I will say that, while I'm quite familiar with capitalist apologetics, I found many of Dr. Reisman's arguments ingenious and compelling. The discussion of price controls in particular was outstanding.
   
   One aspect of CAPITALISM with which I disagree is Reisman's reliance on Ayn Rand in arguing for certain non-economic points. To be sure, Rand helped advance the cause of capitalism and individual liberty, but I think that most of Rand's good points were advocated by others before (and often better).
   
   In addition, I don't find some of Reisman's comments concerning the late Murray Rothbard entirely fair. (Rothbard, it will be remembered, broke from Rand in 1958.) I'm the first to dissent from portions of Rothbard's views of foreign policy, but the claim that he was an admirer of the Soviet Union is inaccurate.



3. George Reisman, "Under communism (socialism), there is no incentive to supply people with anything they need or want, including safety."



4. It is probably hypocritical of me as a supporter of Ayn Rand that I had acquired my copy of this masterpiece by dishonest means. But I am thankful for my decision (to ultimately read it).
   
   This book is truly a masterpiece. I have by now earned a graduate degree, suggesting that I have read a number of textbooks and treatises of all stripes. I also read maybe 40-50 "serious" non-fiction books a year. In my experience (which is why I just gave you my background), this book is absolutely phenomenal! Brief theses are followed by involved explanations and both are explained with notable clarity.
   
   A serious reader can truly gain a wealth of knowledge from this tome. Possessing a treasure such as this, I think it nearly obscene when intelligent people spend hundreds of hours on fluffy paperbacks when they can invest in this book and gain an understanding of capitalism, proper governance, society and much more!
   
   This book is truly a treasure. If my apartment were to burn down, it would be one of the top things I'd save.



5. ...the review titled "The Greatest Book on Economics of All Time" was written by me. It was originally published under my own name, bur for some reason that I cannot fathom my name has since disappeared.
   
   A slightly enlarged version of the review can be found here:
   
   [...]

1 comments about The Economics of Industrial Organization.

1. 
   This book is not going to take you through the obscure world of the hard math to help you understand how the Industrial Organization theory works. It provides real-world and anecdotic examples and data which help theory make more sense. It also provides extremely clear and graphical explanations on each topic which are accompanied by valuable "Questions for Review" sections after each chapter. It is like reading comics and with that I mean that Shepherd has a gift at making his points clear.
   It is a must for undergrad students, however, I would not recommend it if you are looking for a text that emphasizes mathematical analysis. In that case it could only be used as a reference book for the intuitive part of the concepts and for a historical summary of theories.

No comments about A Europe of the Air?: The Airline Industry and European Integration (Governance in Europe).

5 comments about The Villainy of Doctor Doom (Marvel Comics).

1. Some of the finest FF stories featuring Dr Doom collected in a single volume. FF #39-40 is here, a fabulous story where the Fantastic Four try to regain the Baxter Building from Doctor Doom without their powers. Also included is FF #84-87, where the FF go to Latveria. Beautiful Jack Kirby art never has looked better. They should have included the story where Dr Doom stole the Silver Surfer's powers or FF #200 (Doom vs Reed alone). The stories appear to be edited with some scenes being omitted. However, all faults aside, this is a good volume with great stories and art.



2. Do you like art of Jack Kirby? Do you enjoy scripts of Stan Lee? Do you consider John Byrne excellent author? I do. And I do love comics of yesteryears. For me there is no other possibility: five stars, no less.



3. I am one of the biggest Doctor Doom Fans of all time. I bought this book because the cover was a previously unpublished masterpiece by Jack Kirby which is gold. Where this book fell way short was the incomplete reprints of a few of the issues. It was noticeable that parts of the book were cut out, and that is a big sticking point for me. I felt cheated on the full story. Where Marvel usaully leaves me grinning ear to ear with the Trade Paperbacks, I was left needing more. Dr. Doom was definately villainous in this as we get to see two of the greatest FF writers in Stan Lee, and John Byrne and two of the greatest Pencillers of all time Kirby, and Byrne. But the incomplete issues left me feeling cheated on the full scope of the book. And I think they could have found some other comics where Doom proved his evil than just the Fantastic Four. The book is called the Villany of Dr. Doom not the Fantastic Four vs. Doctor Doom, seeing him clash with the Avengers, The X-Men, Spider-Man or the Hulk would have made this a more enjoyable book. But Doom is awesome and this book is good when it does not clip out part of the comic.



4. The book was a dissapointment for me. I am a big Dr Doom fan and expected a lot better. I thought about returning it, but i usually keep the comics i buy, just to add to my collection. The highlight of the entire book seems to be the fight between the thing and the doc in the battle of the baxter building. Other than that it was a let-down. The writing in some of the stories did dissapoint me at times and devaluated my image of the charater of Dr Doom. In one story, when Doom refered to two bombs he had set, he replied: "my subjects!!----I forgot!!" It may seem my complaint is over the top, but the Doom we all know would never admit to a fault. This is but one example of one the times i felt let down by the writers. Additionally, since the book featured more footage of the fantastic four than Dr Doom, it probably should be called Doom V the FF, at the least!Overall, I wasn't too impressed with the book but I guess if you are a true Dr Doom fan, you probably better see for yourself, afterall, you can always return it. As a final note, i will say to any Dr Doom fan who has not read Triumph and Torment, you must read this book to see Doom at his finest...



5. JACK KIRBY IS STILL THE KING OF COMIC BOOKS!!! Yes, I hate to admit it, but I agree with most of the other reviewers that the writing in this graphic novel reprint of some old FANTASTIC FOUR stories is not Kirby's best work--or even the best Dr. Doom appearances, because those were issues 57-60!!!--but even a Kirby collection at 80% is still better than 90% of other comic books, and so I rate this graphic novel 4 stars.

   But Kirby's artwork--inked by INKER SUPREME JOE SINNOTT, THE MOST UNDERRATED MAN IN THE HISTORY OF COMIC BOOKS JUST FOR HIS INKING OF JACK KIRBY'S WORK!!!--in reprinted issues 84 through 87 is...FANTASTIC!!! And that's not just the way they drew Dr. Doom, but also Mr. Fantastic, The Torch, The Thing, the supporting characters, the scenery, and of course, the women!!!

   I've bought a lot of graphic novels over the years--including the first ever printed, THE ORIGINS OF MARVEL HEROES--but I'd probably rank THE VILLAINY OF DR. DOOM #2 after that, because...

   JACK KIRBY IS STILL THE KING OF COMIC BOOKS!!!

   Chari Krishnan RESEARCHKING

1 comments about Antidumping Laws and the U.S. Economy.

1. Mastel crafts a carefully researched look at one of the most controversial issues in international trade: antidumping (AD) laws. After presenting a well-documented history of AD laws in the U.S., he invokes economic analysis to obliterate the arguments against fair trade.

   I think Mastel could have added significantly to his book by a more in-depth treatment of AD laws' less publicized cousin, countervailing duty (CVD) laws. He mentions CVD laws briefly in his section on subsidies, but the purpose of this section is mainly to illustrate another possible cause of dumping. Perhaps he should write a separate book on subsidies and countervailing measures....

   Also, I would have liked a more in-depth discussion of foreign AD/CVD laws. Mastel relegates his discussion of these to an appendix, which may be appropriate considering the scope of his book. Again, maybe a separate book is needed....

   Mastel could have added to his book considerably if he had included more of the mathematical computations behind AD margins (perhaps in an appendix). Admittedly, though, this would have hampered the accessibility of the book to non-professionals.

   Overall, his work is very accessible to any interested reader, and I recommend it especially to students and legal or research assistants embarking on a possible career in international trade.

No comments about The Eu's Common Commercial Policy: Institutions, Interests and Ideas.