The 10 Best Libertarian Books for Beginners - Art for Liberty

Ten books every libertarian should read — Adam Smith Institute

13 books every well-rounded libertarian should read - Students For Liberty North America

The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

La Luna es una Maestra Severa

The Best Books on Libertarianism - Five Books Expert Recommendations

During a period of economic downfall, Dagny Taggart, operations head of Taggart Transcontinental, is tasked with mending the collapsing Rio Norte Line, which services Colorado - the last industrially thriving area in the nation. This challenge is further complicated by the disappearance of several gifted entrepreneurs. In the midst of this, the Mexican government seizes control of Taggart’s San Sebastian Line, the lifeline to Francisco d’Anconia’s copper mills. Unexpectedly, Francisco, a formerly successful industrialist and Dagny's ex-lover, lets his mills turn worthless. To salvage the financial crisis, Dagny's brother Jim manipulates political connections to eradicate their Colorado competition. Dagny, on the other hand, turns to a revolutionary alloy, Rearden Metal, created by Hank Rearden. The duo becomes romantically involved while attempting to revive a discarded motor that runs on static electricity.

However, their efforts are thwarted as the State Science Institute defames Rearden metal, causing Taggart’s stocks to plummet. Unfazed, Dagny establishes her own firm to rebuild the line, achieving significant success. Soon, an increase in restrictive legislation cripples the Colorado industry, forcing several industrialists, including oil tycoon Ellis Wyatt, to vanish mysteriously. Francisco implores Rearden to question the worth of working under such repressive circumstances. Rearden, under trial for violation of new laws, stands defiant and is let off as the authorities fear being perceived as oppressive. Later, Rearden is blackmailed into signing over his metal to protect Dagny's reputation after Jim discovers their affair. Consequently, Dagny resigns and retreats to a mountain lodge.

When a tragic accident befalls Taggart Tunnel, Dagny resumes her position. She soon crash lands in a secluded valley while in pursuit of a potential target of the "destroyer". This valley is inhabited by the vanished industrialists, who are on a cognitive strike. John Galt, the man behind the strike and the inventor of the motor, is revealed as the "destroyer". Despite falling for him, Dagny leaves the valley, only to find the government has seized the railroad industry. After publicly exposing the blackmail and oppressive government practices, she is coerced into rejoining the industry. Eventually, the country's economy collapses, and John Galt seizes control of the airwaves, divulging the conditions of his strike. Captured by the desperate government, he refuses to cooperate, leading to his rescue by Dagny and the strikers. Finally agreeing to the strike, Dagny, along with the other strikers, prepares to return as the nation collapses.

6 Best Libertarian Books of All Time

The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

Atlas Shrugged

Democracy in America

Basic Economics

No Treason

The Constitution of No Authority

Radicals for Capitalism

A Freewheeling History of the Modern American Libertarian Movement

Sources

What To Read Next

6 Best Libertarian Books of All Time

The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

Atlas Shrugged

Democracy in America

Basic Economics

No Treason

The Constitution of No Authority

Radicals for Capitalism

A Freewheeling History of the Modern American Libertarian Movement

Sources

What To Read Next

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