atlas shrugged

1957

1260  pages

This major work by Ayn Rand (1905-1982) has probably won more Americans to the libertarian cause than any other publication. In 2009, for example, half a million copies sold, and even Obama had a "Rand period" in his youth - though unfortunately without a lasting impact.

free to choose

1980

368 pages

TV series based on the book of the same name by Milton Friedman (1912 - 2006). Friedman was one of the most famous economists of the last century and was able to present his views in books, interviews and speeches in an extremely understandable and entertaining way.

economics in one lesson 

1946

218 pages

is arguably the ultimate classic on basic economic principles. Short, comprehensive and understandable, it should be a "must-read" for every voter and politician. Author Henry Hazlitt (1894-1993).

the machinery of freedom

2003

547 pages

offers a non-ideological path to a stateless society, Easy to read, original and often funny. The author, David Friedman (1945) does not need any moralistic preaching.

the ethics of liberty

1982

336 pages

"The Ethics of Liberty" also argues for a stateless society but from the perspective of a natural righs philosopher. Murray N. Rothbard (1926-1995). was Hoppe's friend and mentor. The book is clear, concise and easily understandable if you stay focused. The book has an excellent English audio version.

the problem of political authority

2012

396 pages

"The Problem of Political Authority, An Examination of the Right to Coerce and the Duty to Obey". Michael Huemer (1969) is a professor of philosophy and "starts from moral premises that most non-libertarians already accept" (Bryan Caplan). The book, thus, offers a "conventional" path into the libertarian world. The author's youtube reviews provide good overviews.