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The Irrepressible Rothbard : The Rothbard-Rockwell Report Essays of Murray N. Rothbard

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In the last five years of his life, Murray N. Rothbard--anarchist, economist, activist, historian--co-edited the monthly Rothbard-Rockwell Report, which featured some of his best polemical writings. This book collects many of the greatest pieces. (As a charter subscriber to that now-defunct journal, I might have included a few extra articles in this book, but thenŠ)

At the time these articles were written, Rothbard had joined forces with a resurging populist paleo-right in his fight against the State, against war, and for free markets.(In decades past, he had built alliances with Stevenson Democrats, New Leftists, and the Libertarian Party, without ever changing his core political beliefs.) So the book is filled with attacks on Bush's war on Iraq, big-government "libertarians," Clintonian liberalism, and Newt Gingrich's still-born "Republican Revolution," all in Rothbard's curmudgeonly style. He is a joy to read.

This volume is a must for fans of Rothbard.

As Ive said before, Murray Rothbard was a historian, cultural critic, economist and social theoretician, and political strategist. Until his death, Murray commented vigorously on the cultural affairs of the day in the Rothbard-Rockwell Report. These articles are collected in this outstanding work.

Actually, I use the phrase cultural affairs broadly since these articles concern history, political strategy, movie reviews and more. With Rotbard you dont get canned bromides like some other would-be deep thinkers, but an exciting and informed opinion on topic after topic. As just one example, consider the war against the Serbs. Leftists from all quarters (Hitchens, Lerner, etc.) couldnt wait to go to war against the Serbs in defense of the so-called Bosnian nation. Murray points out that there never was Bosnian nation (or even a Yugoslavian nation for that matter.) Likewise, the left  contrary to its supposed representatives -- has never really been in favor of peace; after all Barnes derided the pro war pacifists of his day. Murray even points out the similarities of the Bosnian Moslems to the old Bogomil heretics of that area (humorously pointing out that the Bogomils were what Ayn Rand falsely considered all Christians to be.)

At the same time Rothbard was writing these essays, he was writing monthly articles on economics in The Free Market newsletter. Those articles are gathered in MAKING ECONOMIC SENSE. If years from now someone asks me what really happened in the 80s and 90s, Ill direct them to these two books.

Murray Rothbard was a true polymath as any review of his work in poltical economy, history, economic history, the history of economic thought and philosophy would show. His dedication to his "purist" vision of a free society animated his whole work.

Unfortunately this focus may deter many readers who do not share Rothbard's politics from exploring his work. That's a shame as his thinking and writing is clear and illuminating. Rothbard nevers beats around the bush. Non-libertarians need to discover Rothbard and cherry pick to their heart's content.

This book shows another side to Rothbard's career. His journalistic writing. This volume covers politics, economics, culture and the movies. So in many ways it's his most accessible, and entertaining, book for non-libertarians. It is probably one of the best volumes of journalism covering American politics and cultural controversies in the late 1980s to 1990s. My guess is that in decades to come readers looking back on this period will be digging into this volume.

Murray, Murray, Murray, DO WE MISS YOU!

Rothbard is so Right-On so often here it almost makes me cry that more people aren't familiar with these writings from The Rothbard-Rockwell Report. Many of them are a pure joy to read. They are often hilarious, while still quite serious.

Murray wasn't afraid to speak the truth as he saw it, regardless of the delicate sensibilities the self-annointed Thought Police (did anyone say Abe Foxman?). Read, for example, his excellent pieces on Marge Schott and Rwanda.

My highest recommendation!

As I've said before, Murray Rothbard was a historian, cultural critic, economist, social theoretician, and political strategist. Until his death, Murray commented vigorously on the cultural affairs of the day in the Rothbard-Rockwell Report. These articles are collected in this outstanding work.

Actually, I use the phrase "cultural affairs" broadly since these articles concern history, political strategy, movie reviews and more. With Rotbard you don't get "canned bromides" like some other would-be "deep thinkers," but an exciting and informed opinion on topic after topic. As just one example, consider the war against the Serbs. Leftists from all quarters (Hitchens, Lerner, etc.) couldn't wait to go to war against the Serbs in defense of the so-called Bosnian nation. Murray points out that there never was Bosnian nation (or even a Yugoslavian nation for that matter.) Likewise, the left - contrary to its supposed representatives -- has never really been in favor of peace; after all Barnes derided the "pro war pacifists" of his day. Murray even points out the similarities of the Bosnian "Moslems" to the old Bogomil heretics of that area (humorously pointing out that the Bogomils were what Ayn Rand falsely considered all Christians to be.)

As another example, Rothbard's article on Bush I's war against Iraq could have been written today.

At the same time Rothbard was writing these essays, he was writing monthly articles on economics in The Free Market newsletter. Those articles are gathered in MAKING ECONOMIC SENSE. If years from now someone asks me what "really" happened in the 80s and 90s, I'll direct them to these two books. I guess you could say they constitute "the hidden history of our times."

Beside his 25 fascinating books on history, economics, and political theory -- Murray Rothbard was a great polemicist and social commentator.

Here's some of his outrageous best.

This book exhibits the light hearted nature of the Libertarian
mind. In reading this collection of essays I could see Rothbard's
amusement with the left/right struggle as if he were watching
a favorite television re-run.

For Murray, exposing the selfish interests of those who hold
liberty and truth in contempt is as easy as shooting fish in a
barrel, and his aim is dead on.

I have an edition of this book which is autographed by
Lew Rockwell, another great American. (get one for yourself
at lewrockwell.com )

Timeless. Gotta love it.

The late great Murray Rothbard was certainly one of the great thinkers. His collection of essays are a bit dated, although his essays against the war on Iraq are relevant for today along with his hilariously entitled, 'The rising menace of anti-anti-semitism' in regards to zionism. As a Muslim libertarian, if that isn't an Oxymoron, I can sign up for most of his agenda.
He cuts through political correctness with a great wit that enthuses all his essays. He attacks water flouridisation which he admits puts him into the conspiracy kook box, analyses Hollywood films and their underlying agendas, attacks big business/big government and even analyses U.S. elections based upon the premise the Rockefellers and the Zionist lobby decide the outcome.
I now know the truth about 'famine' in Africa (aid agencies encourage it) and that the Rodney King beating Police Officers were right to be acquitted (the media created the 'injustice'). He draws on the thoughts of the hard right and elements of the far left to open your mind. No suprise the establishment kept him at arms length. ...