The first part of Frederic Bastiat's "two great works on Political Economy," Economic Sophisms serves to educate and inform the masses about the dangers and restrictions of the Protectionist school of Economic thought in 19th century France. In a debate that still rages today over which economic policy is best for the people, Bastiat delivers a detailed, well thought out argument for free trade. The first series analyzes the propaganda of Protectionism while offering new concepts and comparisons. The second series in the book gives in depth critiques of the consequences of Protection and the benefits of Free Trade. French political libertarian and economist CLAUDE FRÉDÉRIC BASTIAT (1801-1850) was one of the most eloquent champions of the concept that property rights and individual freedoms flowed from natural law.