Protection or Free Trade

by Henry George

Economist HENRY GEORGE (1839-1897) was, at the height of his popularity in the 1880s and 1890s, considered the third most famous American, behind Mark Twain and Thomas Edison, and his liberal philosophies on taxation, copyrights, poverty issues, and more continue to influence progressive movements today. Here, in this 1886 book, George examines the pressing issues of free trade and protectionism... issues that continue to thwart and challenge our economies today. How do tariffs impact production and revenue? Do high wages necessitate protectionism? What is lacking in arguments for free trade? What are the strengths and weaknesses of both free trade and protectionism? George answers these questions, and others, in this incisive work. ALSO FROM COSIMO: George's Progress and Poverty, The Science of Political Economy, A Perplexed Philosopher, The Condition of Labor, and Social Problems.

Genres: Economics, Politics, Nonfiction, Theory, Philosophy, History, Science

348 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1886

About the author

Henry George was an American writer, politician and political economist, who was the most influential proponent of the land value tax, also known as the "single tax" on land. He inspired the economic philosophy known as Georgism, whose main tenet is that people should own what they create, but that everything found in nature, most importantly the value of land, belongs equally to all humanity. His most famous work, Progress and Poverty (1879), is a treatise on inequality, the cyclic nature of industrialized economies, and the use of the land value tax as a remedy.

Reviews

[C.P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazingly perceptive and prescient analysis of the tariff question. The points which Mr. George raises could, and should, be applied to discussions today on employment, global competition, education and the politicians' mantra of "jobs, jobs, jobs".

There are some associative leaps in his focus on the private ownership of land as the creator of economic ills -- though this in keeping with the author of the "single tax" on land -- and on the equality of wealth as the basis of any remedy, which nonetheless presages Huey Long's program by a half century.

I began reading this as an aid to the exposition of the concepts in my own book on the political economy, but found that my reading of "Progress and Poverty" as a pre-teen had already infused my expository style with the mannerisms, if not the quality, of Henry George's writings.

[Max Oss-Emer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why didn't they have us read this at uni? A shame to come to this so late.

[Amadé · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protection or Free Trade is one of the most concisely and convincingly argued works in political economy. George completely demolishes the arguments in favour of protection and reduces the position to absurdity. In doing so, George explores ideas of monopoly that would later come to full maturity in Progress and Poverty. Although not as ground-breaking in thought as his latter work, George's effort in Protection or Free Trade ranks as a first-class work that provided the first definitive defence of free trade in classical economics.

This work has gained even more significance in recent times as economic nationalism raises its ugly head again, just as George forewarned. In a backward world were the term 'free trade' has come to be doublespeak for protectionism, Protection and Free Trade invites any who would know the truth to a quick read.

[Mashooq Nasser · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book would have been an easy 5 stars, if it wasn't for the archaic English (not the author's fault, ik) and the taking of dozens and dozens of pages and chapters to explain what could have, and should have been explained in a few pages and chapters.

a lot of the arguments and examples seemed a tad bit repetitive, but the part of the book towards the end -- criticizing the current (as of then) state of free traders easily is the best part of the book.

the ideas on the abolishment of private property of land, of the tending of pure free trade to socialism, and of the importance of socialism and individualism both, were all amazing and very relevant to this day.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this work, Henry George carefully and precisely picks apart the arguments against protectionism and declares free trade to be moral and pro-labor. Towards the end of his work, he digs further into his famed idea of a land-value tax, spending time to divide up the world into labor, capital, and landowners. I wonder what he'd think of the world today, where such lines have blurred so much.

There are a lot of great quotes I've highlighted, and a lot of strong arguments. It's worth adding to your economics canon.

[Amadé Hill-edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authoritative masterpiece against monopoly in industry and the hidden taxation that arises from protectionism and subsidy.

[Jaren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author presented a strong case for free trade while explaining an instance when private property is suitable and when it is not.

[Joel Atella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be required reading.

[Joseph J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written. It sheds a lot of light on why things are the way they are. It also shows how it could be different. Henry George should be required reading for anyone concerned with politics, economics, or human rights.