Rothbard's "Anatomy of the State"

Anatomy of the State by Murray N. Rothbard is a booklet/essay that traces the origins of the state and takes a hard look at what it is.  This is an important work that can be read in a short sitting.  You can download a free copy here.  You can buy a paperback copy from the Mises Institute here for five dollars.

The Mises Institute is a non-profit organization devoted to human liberty and Austrian School free market economics.  They are funded by individual members and donors.  Please consider supporting them by becoming a member!  Browse their vast free library here.

Here is a reading of Anatomy on YouTube - one hour at normal speed:

And here is an outstanding discussion of Anatomy by Jeff Deist and Ryan McMaken: