The Essential Galbraith

by John Kenneth Galbraith

THE ESSENTIAL GALBRAITH includes key selections from the most important works of John Kenneth Galbraith, one of the most distinguished writers of our time - from THE AFFLUENT SOCIETY, the groundbreaking book in which he conined the tern "conventional wisdom," to THE GREAT CRASH, an unsurpassed account of the events that triggered America's worst economic crisis. Galbraith’s new introductions place the works in their historical moment and make clear their enduring relevance for the new century. THE ESSENTIAL GALBRAITH will delight old admirers and introduce one of our most beloved writers to a new generation of readers. It is also an indispensable resource for scholars and students of economics, history, and politics, offering unparalleled access to the seminal writings of an extraordinary thinker.

Genres: Economics, Politics, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Business, Reference, Essays

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

John Kenneth Galbraith was a Canadian-American economist. He was a Keynesian and an institutionalist, a leading proponent of 20th-century American liberalism and democratic socialism. His books on economic topics were bestsellers in the 1950s and 1960s. A prolific author, he produced four dozen books & over a 1000 articles on many subjects. Among his most famous works was his economics trilogy: American Capitalism (1952), The Affluent Society (1958) & The New Industrial State (1967). He taught at Harvard University for many years. He was active in politics, serving in the administrations of Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, John Kennedy, and Lyndon Johnson. He served as US Ambassador to India under John F. Kennedy.

He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom twice: one in 1946 from President Truman, and another in 2000 from President Clinton. He was also awarded the Order of Canada in 1997, and in 2001, the Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian award, for strengthening ties between India and the USA.

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

JFK- era economist Galbraith remains a compelling read, framing US./UK economic and social history in the liberal era (especially Adam Smith, Karl Marx and John Maynard Keynes). Galbraith’s criticisms of conservative budget balancing is withering, and he takes special delight in ripping Winston Churchill for his sentimental efforts to return Britain to the gold standard. I got a big kick out of the several essays I read, and found Galbraith’s thesis that Adam Smith has been rendered obsolete by the modern era’s complexity to be compelling. It is also appropriate as a response to the originalists who control today’s Supreme Court.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason I immediately gave this one five stars. Clear and engaging writing on economics. In particular, one chapter gives a really useful explanation of Keynesian economics and how U.S. conservatives eventually came around in order to build weapons and keep the economy going.

Exerpts from several of his books. Galbraith takes this tone where you can tell he loves economics. It's sort of charming.

[Jason Mesiarik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Galbraith's writings are as relevant today as when they were first printed. In today's economic climate, the Affluent Society and The Industrial State should be required reading for politicians and executives alike.

[Glenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I were an economist, I'm sure I would give this book a higher rating. For me reading economics is like getting my teeth cleaned--good for me, but not so fun. The book is a compilation of "excerpts" from previous works and lectures. It is a good introduction to Galbraith's general ideas. I don't have the vocabulary to understand it all, but I was able to glean some of the theory, politics, and other influences on economic events in our history, and directions we have taken. It is comforting to know there are people with such understanding of how it works--like economic engineers--but disheartening to realize how little of this knowledge is used proactively to lead, rather than to explain in retrospect. I do feel more enlightened having read the book and would recommend it if one is seeking relief from entertaining reading for a change.

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent survey of Galbraith's work, including an overview of Keynesian economics which is regaining attention. Also, the excerpts from The Great Crash really do bring home how some economic cycles seem not to change at all. The wit with which some of his ideas are shared is also quite useful.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Requires pre-requisite knowledge of basic principles of economics but overall, in my opinion this should be a required reading instead of Mankiw's Principles of Economics. Note for myself - to r-read it in the future.

[Jordan Munn · Rating 5 out of 5]

subjects are diverse, but most are well presented and argued, and the book is hilarious.