Summary of The Individualist by Matt Zwolinksi and John Tomasi:Radicals, Reactionaries, and the Struggle for the Soul of Libertarianism

The Individualist

This book delves into the historical development of libertarian thought, emphasizing its diverse origins and evolution. It challenges common perceptions by asserting that libertarianism has a longer and more varied history than typically recognized, originating in the 19th century in Britain and France before spreading to the United States.
While libertarians advocated concepts like private property and free markets, their distinctiveness lies in their unwavering commitment to these principles, often in contrast to classical liberals.

In the US, early libertarians were concerned primarily with issues like slavery rather than socialism. Across continents, libertarianism emerged in response to different threats to freedom, often advocating for radical change rather than gradual reform.