Rating: 
Summary: You have to read it to believe it
Review: This book is simply a classic, and I think that there is little in it that will be overturned by further discoveries about the nature of money. Of course, even if this was to happen, the book will remain one of the best and clearest introductions to the topic of money. The book is also a great example of expository and didactic prose, so it can also be read in that context.In this book, Rothbard discusses the history and nature of money, and by doing both, explains to the reader what is wrong with the monetary system that the world operates on today. Parts of his writing will be familiar to anyone who has taken a course in economics where money was discussed. However, the more subtle facts about money (the money regression theorem, Gresham's Law, government intereference, the reasons he gives for the government's renunciation of the gold standard etc.) will be new and interesting territory for many readers. Of course, if the ideas of this book are read and combined with the other ideas espoused by Austrian Economics, of which the author was a great proponent, then the truth and coherence of his arguments are very strong. I strongly recommend this book. Even those (like me) who do not agree with Rothbard's anarchism will find a lot in it that is good.
Rating:
Summary: You have to read it to believe it
Review: This book is simply a classic, and I think that there is little in it that will be overturned by further discoveries about the nature of money. Of course, even if this was to happen, the book will remain one of the best and clearest introductions to the topic of money. The book is also a great example of expository and didactic prose, so it can also be read in that context. In this book, Rothbard discusses the history and nature of money, and by doing both, explains to the reader what is wrong with the monetary system that the world operates on today. Parts of his writing will be familiar to anyone who has taken a course in economics where money was discussed. However, the more subtle facts about money (the money regression theorem, Gresham's Law, government intereference, the reasons he gives for the government's renunciation of the gold standard etc.) will be new and interesting territory for many readers. Of course, if the ideas of this book are read and combined with the other ideas espoused by Austrian Economics, of which the author was a great proponent, then the truth and coherence of his arguments are very strong. I strongly recommend this book. Even those (like me) who do not agree with Rothbard's anarchism will find a lot in it that is good.
Rating:
Summary: Best presentation on the gold standard money can buy
Review: This is book is beautiful in its simplicity. Rothbard first presents accurately what has historically happened when money is left up to the government. The important thing to remember is that Rothbard just doesn't make stuff up, he uses history to portray why the gold standard (and really, a privatized system of currency) is necessary for maximum freedom. Even if you're not a Libertarian or an economist, you will appreciate Rothbard's perspective on the money you use everyday. Agree or disagree, this book is great.
Rating:
Summary: Superb little book
Review: Tired of inane economics textbooks written by failed mathematicians (you know the ones I mean--the ones full of mistakes yet are still taught in college)? Well, try this little book instead--it's slim, concise and and easily understood. Rothbard, until his untimely early death, was one of the finest economists in the world. He has influenced generations of free-market economists. I usually dread to say "should be required reading in school" but I'll make an exception in this case. And you poor college students who are being whacked over the head with current textbooks--please, pick this up. You may find you really do like economics.
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