More of a political tract than a book, Gold, Peace, and Prosperity is a brief history and analysis of U.S. monetary policy from 1913 through the present, with a focus on the need to return to a gold based system of money.

Originally published in 1981, the Mises Institute has reissued copies of this work to coincide with Dr. Paul's presidential campaign. The monetary policy of the United States, and it's effects on individual liberty are the primary concern and focus of his campaign, and his ideas have not changed in the intervening 26 years since Gold, Peace and Prosperity's original publication.

Though paper money has a long history, Paul here presents only the most recent incarnation with it's roots in the Federal Reserve Act of 1913. With a focus on the negative impacts of price increases caused by inflation, along with inflation of the money supply allowing uncontrolled government spending, Paul makes the case that the best way to restore and ensure prosperity for the American people, is to return to a fixed monetary policy based on a gold standard.

This book will be of interest to two primary groups. The first are those interested in an introduction to economic monetary policy, particularly the views held by the Austrian and to some degree the Chicago schools of economists. The second group would be those interested in researching Ron Paul as a 2008 presidential candidate. For those in the first category, there are probably better introductions, though Paul's is more than competent. For those is the second group, this book provides the reader an opportunity to see a glimpse of Ron Paul's depth of knowledge as an economist. Whether or not you agree with his conclusions, comparing the contents of this book and his current political campaign do reveal a deep commitment to the principles he espouses, rather than pandering to a mass audience with expedient sentiment. ( )