"A fantastic look at the nature of capitalism and why free market education is the best form of providing schooling for the young," is how Jim Peron from Aristotle's Books describes Education and Capitalism.

In the book, authors Joseph Bast and Herbert Walberg look at the poor condition of US public education and say the answer is capitalism.

The authors' thesis, built on the groundwork laid by Milton Friedman, is that just as the free market has created unparalleled innovation in medicine, agriculture and communication, so could it vastly improve education.

The ability for parents to choose their schools, and for schools to compete for their attendance, would raise standards and lower cost, just as it has in every other area of our lives, they argue.

The books is subtitled How overcoming our fear of markets and economics can improve America's schools, and the authors spend a considerable chunk of the book debunking the misconceptions and ignorance that many people have of the free market - indeed, one chapter is called "Can capitalism be trusted".

"As a guidebook for education reform, Education and Capitalism is excellent. As a primer on economic theory, the book is superb. As a guide to conservative philosophy, Walberg and Bast's book is indispensable." - The Heritage Foundation.

"Bold and brazen." - Chicago Sun-Times.

Education and Capitalism, by Joseph Bast and Herbert Walberg (paperback, 362 pages), can be purchased for $34.95 (shipping $3) from Aristotle's Books, 167 Symonds Street, Auckland (09 368 1466).

More information is at http://www-hoover.stanford.edu/publications/books/edcap.html.