The Indispensable Milton Friedman

Essays on Politics and Economics

By: Dr. Lanny Ebenstein

Narrated by: Traber Burns

Milton Friedman is one of the most famous economists in history. His writings and theories on everything from capitalism and freedom to deregulation and welfare have inspired movements, influenced government policies, and changed the course of America’s economic history. Now, acclaimed Friedman biographer Lanny Ebenstein brings together 20 of Friedman’s greatest essays in The Indispensable Milton Friedman: Essays on Politics and Economics.

The only collection of Friedman’s writings to span his entire career, this book features some of Friedman’s never-before-republished writings as well as the best and most timeless of his works. These exceptional essays not only illuminate the progression of Friedman’s thought, but explain how America might overcome some of its most difficult challenges. During this time of economic uncertainty, The Indispensable Milton Friedman is more necessary than ever.

About the author: Dr. Lanny Ebenstein is a radio host and author. He has been on C-SPAN’s Booknotes, and his work has appeared in National Review, the Los Angeles Times, and more. He currently works for 1290 AM in Santa Barbara and is an editorialist for the Santa Barbara News Press. Additionally, he is a visiting professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute.

©2012 Lanny Ebenstein (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Milton Friedman was the most authoritative exponent of the libertarian tradition in economics. He will be remembered as long as the subject endures, and this collection epitomizes the power of his mind and range of his mastery.” (George Gilder, New York Times best-selling author of Wealth and Poverty)

“A worthy homage to Friedman’s ideas.” ( Financial Times)

“Economists can succeed Milton Friedman, but nobody can replace him. As this collection of rare but brilliant essays confirms, he was one of a kind, and is greatly missed.” (Mark Skousen, editor, Forecasts & Strategies)

Nice sampling of Friedman's writings

this was a nice sampling of various writings by Milton Friedman. he is full of indispensable wisdom on economics and this was no exception.

Insightful and thought provoking

What did you love best about The Indispensable Milton Friedman?

Always interesting to hear the "down-to-earth" appproach that the Friedmans take to economic and political material. Easy to understand and follow. Very helpful when trying to digest current events

Any additional comments?

I did not listen to the entire collection -- maybe about half. I omitted the reminiscence of famous economists, and a few of the essays that seemed to duplicate earlier material. -- not to cast a bad light on the collection in any way.

In our current 2020 world

Milton Freedman brings the 2020 vision focused and supported from history needed in our current 2020 blur. His comment and historical proof that Nixon was the most socialist president was quite unexpected.

Very dry, but informative.

This book was worth listening to, but some of essays were very dry and tough to get through. I more understand Friedman's ideas and background though and that was the point of listening to this book, so it was a success.

Every prime minister should read this book!

Would you listen to The Indispensable Milton Friedman again? Why?

I already did! There is so much to learn from this book, that it is good to listen to it a couple times to retain all the wisdom it contains.

What about Traber Burns’s performance did you like?

Perfect intonation. Warm voice.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

The open letter to Bill Bennet written in 1989 and still valid today; actually all that M. Friedman announced in 1989 (and previously in 1972) came true! Had they listened to him, our world would have been a less violent one!

Any additional comments?

A must read!

Great thoughts

Several lectures and articles but not a summary of other books that I was looking for. never the less I enjoyed it.

Ten percent good stuff. ninety percent not

Friedman is awesome, however, this is not. lots of listening to unimportant fluff to get to the good stuff.