Name-Dropping

by John Kenneth Galbraith

"Names? You want names? No one knows better ones than John Kenneth Galbraith” (San Diego Union-Tribune). With the dazzling insight, humor, and literary skill that mark Galbraith as one of the most distinguished writers of our time, Name-Dropping charts the political landscape of the past sixty-five years. Drawing on a lifetime of access to many great public figures, the famous economist offers a clear-eyed, unsparing, and amusing “look at prominent people . . . [he] has known, from FDR on” (Larry King, USA Today) and offers a rich and uniquely personal history of the century — a history he helped to shape.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Economics, Biography, Politics, Memoir, American History

194 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

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

[Kressel Housman · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Kenneth Galbraith was a leading liberal economist who served under Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy and Johnson, and in this book, he tells personal anecdotes about his dealings with each one. You might call it “History Lite” since he does discuss major events – the New Deal, World War II, the struggle against communism, and Vietnam – but it has such a personal tone to it that it’s more like a memoir. The presidents aren’t the only personalities he covers either. Eleanor Roosevelt and Jackie Kennedy each get a chapter, as do Adlai Stevenson, Nehru, Averell Harriman, and a few others.

I’ll admit I was bored by a paragraph here and there, particularly in the Nehru chapter, which is more the fault of my ignorance of the details of India’s history than anything else. Otherwise, it was very interesting, especially the discussions of New Deal and Keynesian economics, which are so relevant to our predicament now. And so I’ll conclude with a direct quote that describes the business community’s resistance to the New Deal:

Two motivating forces . . . exist in any economic system: one is the desire for money; the other is the need for prestige. The pursuit of money - income - is widely accepted. But for the business community, prestige is also deeply important and something not to be shared. The only acceptable economic policy is one that accords front rank to the corporate executive or the financier. . . Better to suffer some loss of income, even accept recession or depression, than to see this prestige - the right of leadership - impaired or invaded.

Doesn’t that just say it all? Prestige and money are synonymous for so many people, they’ll do anything for more. But when their greed runs us into trouble, they don’t want to be regulated; it’s the sign of ultimate failure. I’m the first to admit that I don’t understand everything John Kenneth Galbraith said, but when it comes to the psychology of money, he was spot on.

[Joe · Rating 2 out of 5]

While it's a fairly short book, and doesn't touch too heavily on the actual politics of events, it gives a nice insight into leaders and politicians of the mid-20th century. I might have given the book another star if I were a progressive, but as I took it, it was enjoyable, but I would not re-read it.
What made me like it is that even when Galbraith brought up his hackneyed Keynesian economic policies, he didn't really try to defend them harshly, rather, he just brought them up and let them stand as they were. He does leave a few barbs scattered throughout the book (which I sort of expected), he lists a few of the politicians' attitudes as well. The mention of people like LBJ and JFK, and the way he brought their personalities alive, made the book interesting to me.

[Ali Hysong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it, but I wouldn’t read it again. Galbraith gives personal insight of political leaders from Roosevelt on, without touching too heavily on any of the politics, but rather, brining each leader’s personality to light. If you are into leadership and history, I would suggest this book for you.

[Writemoves · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author’s paeans to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, Adlai Stevenson, John F. Kennedy, and other primarily democratic and liberal politicians in the 20th century. Galbrath also wrote a chapter on Lyndon Johnson, but any praise of him was tempered by Gailbraith's opposition to the Vietnam war.

It was Galbraith's feeling that John Kennedy would not have the United States involved in Vietnam to the extent that it had. Kennedy had a very deep suspicion of the military given the advice he had received from its generals. LBJ seems to have been snookered by council of not only military advisors, but the poor judgment of civilian ones like Robert McNamara.

Interesting chapter on Eleanor Roosevelt, who probably does not get the recognition for her political acumen and contributions to the promotion of social causes.

Interesting that Galbraith was not aware of JFK's many affairs. FDR's relationship with Lucy Mercer was not considered an affair because he was unable to perform.

I expected more of Galbraith’s wit and humor to show up in the book. Can't say that I learned a lot from the reading the book – – no surprises. I respect Galbraith's opinion and that's reason enough to read the book.

[Aminul Haque · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of anecdotes from JKG's long and colorful life as an economist and a statesman, and a consummate cornerman for even larger characters. Chronicles of Boston and Washington intrigues were a great read. It is unusual though, his severe description of the people on the Nixon side of things. I thought things mellow by the time one writes a memoir.

Narrative of his experience in (and with) India was interesting. It seemed to be borrowed straight from kinder British colonialists with an affection for India and an honest wish for its development. Also, no wonder that he got along so well with the Nehrus, and that a Boston Brahmin would find a kindred soul in a Kashmiri Brahmin in their patronizing attitude toward Asian politics and development.

[Rosanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many folks have described G to me as an economist every good liberal should read and this seemed like the place to start. Amazing how homey is sounds, just someone telling his story. He described Reagan as "the first wholly uninhibited Keynesian President - eager public spending to provide economic stimulation and employment., all finance by large public borrowing with the resulting large budget deficit. "however, there was a dark side . . . the spending for for extensively unneeded armaments."

[Jerry Wall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Series of anecdotes about famous or notorious people the author has met and interacted with.
Truman interesting and profane as was his time in office. MacArthur less than admiring of the subject. etc.
JKG was quite an individual.

[Richard Walden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and droll, Galbraith delights his readers with comments on his interactions with FDR, Albrecht Speer, Jackie Kennedy, and diverse other leading actors of the second half of the 20th century. He does not suffer fools gladly. His persona is as outsize as his corporeality.

[Mary Buss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Galbraith's recollections of his interactions with people from FDR and beyond. Interesting history.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

#95 of 120 books pledged to read during 2021

[Eileen Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy, quick read that is enjoyable if you lived through some of these times and remember the people when they were making the news of the day.

[Marijean Miyar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! It visited some of my favorite characters: FDR, JFK and some that I knew only peripherally but now feel I know much better. It is an insider’s story, and as such he dispenses with much of the history and goes to the private moments, and these are sometimes VERY a private.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Kenneth Galbraith was an economist and political adviser to several Democratic presidents beginning with Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He was also an ambassador to India and friend to a veritable Who's Who of leading political figures in the 20th century. This book was written when Galbraith was 91 years old and he offers his memories and perspectives of such individuals as Presidents Roosevelt Truman, Kennedy, and Johnson, foreign leaders Churchill and Nehru, and presidential advisers Averell Harriman and Chester Bowles. And he doesn't overlook the women--both Eleanor Roosevelt and Jackie Kennedy are profiled. This book reminded me of the stories that are dragged out and retold around a dinner table after a second bottle of wine has been opened and you feel as if you are among good friends.

[Garry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly fun read. A look back at a different time and world. Are their people of Galbraith's ilk still out there? He was such a fixture and such a towering figure for so long. This collection captures intriguing impressions from a life of service at the highest levels. For those with an interest in left of center power politics from the 40s through the 60s this book is a must read.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

A small but insightful look at some of the famous people who shaped the nation's mid-century. The best chapters on FDR, LBJ and Jackie Kennedy give some great political insider views. He lived close to some of the most important decisions that continue to influence the nation. Well worth the read.

[Jeff Crosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snapshots and encounters with leading liberal politicians over the second half of the twentieth century are the primary intent here. Galbraith freely declares his political leanings without preaching. The book is most engaging for perspective.

It is well written and breezy.

[Pete Bansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of stories from Mr. Galbraith's life in government, including insights on the Vietnam War from inside the Kennedy and Johnson administrations.

[Brett Hodnett · Rating 3 out of 5]

He has so many great books, but this is not one of his best.

[L. Gaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting tidbits of Kenneth Galbraith's interactions with well known figures

[K T · Rating 3 out of 5]

A true title--Mr. G has "I" disease. Still, interesting stories.