Readings on Spontaneous Order

[znichols]

My undergraduate thesis is over a year away, but I intend to focus almost exclusively on the idea of the superiority of emergent order. As an econ major, this will apply mainly on markets, but I hope to consider the applications of the idea to other institutions as well. (And because it is an "Honors" project [whatever that means], I think I will be allowed some leniency on my topic of choice, which otherwise would probably be considered too heterodox).

In your opinions, what are the most fundamental works that touch upon (or concentrate) on the idea of unplanned, spontaneous order? For example, which of Hayek's books best explain the concept, or concentrate on it the most? I already have some texts in mind, but I would like to hear from you all. They don't necessarily need to be from the Austrian school, though I would hope that you would explain your choice if they were not.

Thanks!

[BuddyRey]

There's a short essay by Leonard Read called "I, Pencil" that is often cited as one of the definitive works on the topic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I,_Pencil