Milton Friedman (1912—2006) was a Nobel Laureate economist, who not only made important theoretical contributions but was deeply influential across the world in policy. He was a prominent figure in the conservative and libertarian movements of the late 20th century and promoted classical liberal ideas in his many popular works, including not only books but videos, lectures and magazine columns. Friedman published Capitalism and Freedom in 1962 and the book has sold half a million copies since.