DescriptionJohn Maynard Keynes (1883-1946) was without question the most influential economist of the twentieth century. His most important work, The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money, was published in 1936, and it was widely perceived as offering plausible explanations and solutions for the Great Depression. Keynes suggested that capitalism is vulnerable to instability caused by insufficient consumer demand. He emphasized the reluctance of workers to accept reductions in nominal wages, preventing free market adjustments to unemployment. Based on these and other perceived defects in the capitalist system, Keynes suggested government intervention in the economy, and modern politicians have accepted and applied Keynesian ideas with great enthusiasm.
DescriptionThe Big Three in Economics reveals the battle of ideas among the three most influential economists in world history: Adam Smith, representing laissez faire; Karl Marx, reflecting the radical socialist model; and John Maynard Keynes, symbolizing big government and the welfare state. History comes alive in this fascinating story of opposing views that continue to play a fundamental role in today's politics and economics. In the 21st century, Adam Smith's "invisible hand" model has gained the upper hand, and capitalism has ultimately won the ideological battle over socialism and interventionism. But even in the era of globalization and privatization, Keynesian and Marxist ideas continue to play a significant role in economic policy in the public and private sectors.
DescriptionThere is no one better qualified to tell us about the failures of the American financial system and the grotesque abuses that have taken place in recent years than John C. Bogle, founder and former chief executive of the Vanguard mutual-fund group. This l…
DescriptionProfessor Solomon provides a fascinating look at "the history of man through the prism of economics." He explains the steady rise in per capita wealth since the Industrial Revolution and revisits what he considers one of the most important books ever published: Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations . Solomon also discusses how Malthus, Marx, and Keynes reacted to Smith's and each other's ideas, and describes how their reactions forever altered the course of modern economic history.
DescriptionHere is a bold new history of economics, the dramatic story of how the great economic thinkers built a rigorous social science without peer. Unlike other histories of economics, Mark Skousen's book provides a running plot with a singular heroic figure…
