Burton Folsom Jr.

Burton W. Folsom Jr. is an American historian and professor who specializes in economic history and the role of entrepreneurs in American economic development. He served as a professor of history at Hillsdale College from 2003 to 2017 and has written extensively about free market economics and historical revisionism. His most notable work is "The Myth of the Robber Barons" (1991), which challenges traditional negative portrayals of 19th-century industrialists and argues for a distinction between market entrepreneurs and political entrepreneurs. The book has become influential in conservative economic circles and is widely used in college courses. Folsom has authored several other books examining American economic history through a free-market lens, including "New Deal or Raw Deal?" (2008) and "Uncle Sam Can't Count" (2014). His writing frequently focuses on critiquing government intervention in the economy and highlighting the achievements of private enterprise. Through his academic career and publications, Folsom has become known for presenting alternative perspectives on established historical narratives about American business and economic policy. His work at the Foundation for Economic Education and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy has further established his position as a prominent voice in free-market economic history.

Readers value Folsom's alternative perspectives on economic history and his detailed research, particularly in "The Myth of the Robber Barons." Many note his clear writing style and use of primary sources to support arguments. One Amazon reviewer stated: "Folsom presents facts that challenge what we learned in school about industrialists." Readers appreciate: - Clear explanations of complex economic concepts - Extensive source documentation - Fresh perspective on historical figures - Detailed case studies Common criticisms: - Perceived libertarian bias in analysis - Selective use of evidence - Oversimplified arguments about government intervention - Limited coverage of labor issues and social impacts Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,200+ reviews) Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,000+ reviews) - "The Myth of the Robber Barons": 4.4/5 - "New Deal or Raw Deal?": 4.3/5 - "Uncle Sam Can't Count": 4.2/5 Some academic reviewers note his work's popularity in conservative circles while questioning his historical interpretations.

New Deal or Raw Deal? (2008) Analysis of Roosevelt's New Deal programs and their economic impacts during the Great Depression.

The Myth of the Robber Barons (1991) Examination of 19th century American industrialists and their role in economic development.

Uncle Sam Can't Count (2014) Historical review of government involvement in business ventures from the 1800s to modern times.

Death on Hold (2015) Account of death row inmate Mitch Rutledge's life story and transformation.

FDR Goes to War (2011) Study of Roosevelt's wartime presidency and domestic policies during World War II.

Suicide of the West (2018) Historical analysis of free enterprise systems and their impact on American prosperity.

No More Free Markets or Free Beer (1999) Comparison of American and Canadian economic systems throughout the 20th century.

Empire Builders (1998) Chronicles of entrepreneurs who developed Michigan's natural resources in the 1800s.

Thomas DiLorenzo writes about economic history and challenges mainstream narratives about government intervention in markets. He examines historical figures like Lincoln and FDR through an economic lens, similar to Folsom's approach.

Thomas Woods focuses on American economic history and the role of government policies in shaping markets. He covers topics including the Great Depression and New Deal programs, with emphasis on free market perspectives.

Amity Shlaes researches and writes about the Great Depression era and American economic policy during the 20th century. Her work examines the impact of government programs and regulations on economic recovery.

Robert Murphy analyzes economic history and theory with focus on free market principles and critique of government intervention. He writes about the Great Depression and banking history in the United States.

Jim Powell documents historical examples of government policies and their economic consequences throughout American history. He examines cases of market interference and regulation, presenting alternative interpretations of standard historical accounts.