As an elected offical I found the opportunity, for that is what it is, to read Tom Bethell's The Noblest Triumph worth much more than the time and effort involved. Not only does Bethell point out correctly the tremendous role played by private proerty in world history but, by inference and example, the grave threats to that right extant in American society today. For this reason alone elected officials of every stripe need to understand the inplications of many of the actions they are daily called upon to undertake. No right, one untill recently understood and sadly too often taken for granted, is under greater attack today than private ownership of property. Such concepts as public space, viewsheds, common lands and land use planning intrude daily into the public debate occassioned by new development projects in whatever town they may be proposed. Through application in code of these ideals, property no longer belongs to its owners, but rather to the planners and in many instances, the public at large. Demands for open space, trails, and the like cause owners to part with ever larger portions of their property for "the common good". Fortunately the courts in such cases as Dolan v. City of Tigard have restricted the ability of local governments to demand such extractions. Just as fortunately Bethell has authored a work which expounds the basic value and great benefit derived from protecting property rights. His clear analysis of why this right should be among our most cherished demands its protection by all levels of government.

The Noblest Triumph is quite simply one of the most powerful, enjoyable nonfiction books I have read in quite some time. Mr. Bethell's account is exhaustively researched (including tracking the evolution of ideas through multiple printings of some of the classic texts)and presents a forceful case for the primacy of private property and the evolution of property rights through the ages. He demonstrates why many of the freedoms we cherish are either sharply curtailed if not eliminated outright if property rights are not adequately protected. His analysis provides insight into many economic and sociological events which on their surface may appear irrational, but in fact represent the "best" course of action given the lack of property rights.

This book should be required reading for anyone who believes that the government (or more properly public ownership) is always or even often the best solution to today's problems. In particular, environmentalists should read Mr. Bethell's thoughts very closely.

Mr. Bethell has written a thought-provoking, well researched powerful book that makes what could have been a very boring topic come to life.

James Bovard comments rightly that no institution in modern society has received as much "intellectual charity" as has the state. With The Noblest Triumph, Tom Bethell helps in a big way to reverse the unfortunate effects of this misbegotten charity. Bethell's book bursts with sound history, first-rate economics, and a subtle and profound philosophical understanding of human society. His is one of the clearest explanations of why the rule of law -- the unbiased application of legal constraints to even the mightiest citizens -- is necessary for freedom and prosperity. Bethell also masterfully lands solid blows against the (sadly widespread) notion that majoritarian democracy is a sound means of making law. Bethell's lesson, in brief, is that a system of decentralized private property rights is far superior to any form of centralized government at ensuring peaceful and productive social relations. While explaining in a variety of ways the role of property rights, The Noblest Triumph is far more than a book about property rights. Read this book and enjoy a first-rate intellectual feast.