Book Award

Bridwell Institute Prize

Recognizing Outstanding Books on American Capitalism

The Bridwell Institute Prize recognizes a book that makes an outstanding contribution to the public's understanding of American capitalism. The annual award carries a $15,000 prize and honors the legacy of economists and authors W. Michael Cox and Richard Alm.

For more than three decades, Cox and Alm helped explain the workings of America's free enterprise system to broad audiences, emphasizing how markets, innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic freedom contribute to rising living standards. Established through the generous support of Richard Alm, the prize seeks to encourage authors who continue this tradition of making important economic ideas accessible to the public.

As Bridwell Institute Director Robert Lawson explains:

Mike and Rick wanted to use data and economic ideas to show Americans that freer markets make us richer and more government leaves us poorer. We hope the Bridwell Institute Prize will spur authors to follow in their footsteps. - Robert Lawson, Director

Nominations

Nominations for the 2027 Bridwell Institute Prize (recognizing books published in 2026) will open later this year.

2026 Prize Recipient

The Land Trap: A New History of the World's Oldest Asset
Mike Bird

The inaugural Bridwell Institute Prize is awarded to The Land Trap: A New History of the World's Oldest Asset by Mike Bird.

In The Land Trap, Bird examines how land ownership, housing policy, and property markets have shaped economic opportunity and prosperity across societies. Combining historical analysis with accessible storytelling, the book sheds light on one of the most important (and often overlooked) forces affecting economic growth and living standards.

The selection committee chose The Land Trap for its ability to illuminate complex economic issues for a broad audience while advancing public understanding of the institutions and incentives that shape prosperity.

Mike Bird is a journalist and author whose work focuses on economics, finance, and public policy. His writing has appeared in leading international publications, where he has developed a reputation for explaining complex economic topics in a clear and engaging manner.