The Great Economists

A Times Best Business Book of 2018What insights can the pioneering economists of history offer us on the pressing matters of our era? "The best place to start to learn about the very greatest economists of all time," according to Professor Tyler Cowen, author of "The Complacent Class" and "The Great Stagnation." Since the era of Adam Smith, economists have been tackling a range of persistent issues, but their theories can often be dense and challenging to apply to contemporary challenges.Linda Yueh, celebrated for her profound knowledge as an economist and her ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, offers a comprehensive guide in "The Great Economists." She delves into the central ideas of the foremost economists in history, explores how their personal experiences and times shaped their theories, and considers the impact of their work on our daily lives. More importantly, Yueh evaluates how these economic theories might address the policy dilemmas we encounter today.Amidst today's economic hurdles, especially concerning economic growth, Yueh revisits the contributions of figures from Adam Smith and David Ricardo to Joan Robinson, Milton Friedman, Douglass North, and Robert Solow. Through her examination, she poses questions such as: What can Karl Marx's theories predict about the future trajectory of China's economy? In what ways does John Maynard Keynes' advocacy for government expenditure to achieve full employment inform our approach to state investment? Additionally, in light of the challenges facing globalization, Yueh considers the lessons we might glean in dealing with Brexit and Trumpism.This insightful book offers a broad yet accessible overview, providing readers with valuable perspectives on the most significant economic questions of our time.