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.