'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

• Series editors' preface; 1. Contracting for property rights; 2. Analytical framework; 3. Contracting for mineral rights; 4. Contracting for changes in federal land policies; 5. Contracting in fisheries; 6. Contracting for the utilization of oil fields; 7. Concluding remarks; References; Index.

'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

• Series editors' preface; 1. Contracting for property rights; 2. Analytical framework; 3. Contracting for mineral rights; 4. Contracting for changes in federal land policies; 5. Contracting in fisheries; 6. Contracting for the utilization of oil fields; 7. Concluding remarks; References; Index.