The Economics of Prohibition

During my study of prohibition I have been helped by many friends and colleagues. Their encouragement, suggestions, and corrections made this book possible.

My gratitude and respect go to John D. Jackson, who provided the critical guidance so crucial to the completion of this project. The unceasing stream of comments and suggestions from Richard D. Ault and Leland B. Yeager contributed both insights and a broad perspective. Seth A. Anderson provided valuable suggestions and encouraged me in my efforts to find a publisher.

It is to the credit of my teacher, coauthor, colleague, and friend Robert B. Ekelund, Jr., that the lessons and debates in his classroom turned my question into an answer—an answer that forms the foundation of this book.

I owe a special debt to the University of Utah Press, whose staff had the courage and foresight to bring this book to fruition. I am also grateful to the distinguished group of reviewers assembled for this project—Bruce Benson, Charles Maurice, and Murray Rothbard—each of whom provided valuable comments and corrections.

Three institutions have provided support for this project. The Institute for Humane Studies at George Mason University provided my initial exposure to classical liberalism and academic research. I wish to offer my thanks for the 1990 F. Leroy Hill Summer Faculty Fellowship, and I give special thanks to Sheldon Richman for his assistance in preparing this manscript for publication.

I also wish to acknowledge the H. B. Earhart Foundation for its financial assistance during the preparation of this book.

My very special thanks go to the members and staff of the Ludwig von Mises Institute. The intellectual environment, continuous encouragement, and financial support they provided were invaluable. For their assistance and faith in me, I would especially like to thank Llewellyn H. Rockwell and O. P. Alford III.

It is my hope that the publication of this book begins to repay all those who have shown so much confidence in me.