THE RATIONAL OPTIMIST How Prosperity Evolves

Matt Ridley doesn't like pessimists, whether they're writing books or setting policy. What he does like, and believe in, is trade. L.J. Ganser's narration of Ridley's political and economic philosophy adds a little extra sarcasm on occasion, especially when the author is talking about the Obama administration. But mostly Ganser keeps to Ridley's optimistic tone as Ridley carefully backs up his philosophy, showing how trade led to many of man's greatest achievements, and offers suggestions for how trade, combined with a can-do outlook, could solve today's financial crises. The hints of sarcasm in Ganser's reading are a distraction, but Ridley's focus on solutions makes for an interesting thesis. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2010]