In this accessible overview for general readers, Rowe, cofounder of OntheCommons.org, explains the ideas and philosophies underlying the commons, defined here as shared public goods such as natural resources, public spaces, the Internet, languages, and technologies. Emphasizing that the shared wealth of the commons is threatened by privatization, he outlines recommendations for protecting the commons, such as community initiatives, legislation, and other ideas based on the creation of a new paradigm of common property rights and common property-owning institutions, such as trusts. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
