Frédéric Bastiat was a brilliant economist who introduced the concept of opportunity cost and argued for a free market economy that protects property rights rather than violating them. In this book, 'What Is Free Trade?', an adaptation of his original work for American readers, Bastiat explains why free trade is just, unselfish, and profitable. He dispels common misconceptions about free trade and presents a compelling argument for why it is necessary for national prosperity. The book covers a range of topics, from balance of trade and reciprocity to the effects of protectionism on wages and the economy.