'The case studies are enjoyable to read … Libecap has been a major contributor to the literature on the efficiency gains to be had from more specificity in property rights assignments. The book reinforces that view but more importantly addresses the more difficult question as to why societies allow themselves to be victims of the tragedy of the commons.' Journal of Economic History
'The book well summarises Professor Libecap's well-known and highly respected work on the emergence of property rights, with a more general analytical chapter added … This is a fine book.' Journal of Comparative Economics