THE WORLDLY PHILOSOPHERS

by Robert L. Hallbroner ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 29, 1953

The Worldly Philosophers"" are the political economists who have tried, in one way or another, to justify or condone man's drive toward accumulated wealth, and their story has a slick animation for modern moneymakers. From a broad background which returns to 1305 when merchants kept sketchy accounts because long division was beyond them and the function of the zero was not understood, this goes on to Adam Smith whose Wealth of Nations first attempted to define the new industrial world. Other figures, less familiar to many, are Malthus who brooded over the rising birthrate and decreasing resources; David Ricardo who educated the House of Commons; Robert Owen whose idealistic views were put to work in a model workers town and who organized the first trade union in Britain; John Stuart Mill and his ""Principles of Political Economy""; the origins of Henry George's single tax; the Communist Manifesto- re-evalued; Veblen; and finally Keyne's ""Economic Possibilities for our Grandchildren"". A breezy introduction to economic theories and concepts which have here a popular accessibility more serious studies preclude as well as a general appeal to the business man on the curb or in the street.

Pub Date: July 29, 1953

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 1953

Categories: NONFICTION