Book description
This is a history of economic thought from Adam Smith to John Maynard Keynes - but it is a history with a difference. Firstly, it is a history of economic theory, not of economic doctrines, that is, it is consistently focused on theoretical analysis, undiluted by entertaining historical digressions or…
Why read it?
2 authors picked Economic Theory in Retrospect as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Mark Blaug escaped the Netherlands, just in time before the Nazis marched in, went to New York University, and eventually wrote this colossal overview of the entire body of the economics literature.
He is capable of ordering different formal approaches to the subject matter in plain English, what an achievement.
From Thijs' list on microeconomics on how markets are interconnected.
The corrective for Schumpeter. How an orthodox post-1945 American economist interprets the historical greats of economic thought.
For those who know some economics already, it translates into a language they can understand. Blaug was a very distinguished scholar himself, an independent thinker, a very clear writer.
If this is not always what the greats really meant, it shows what modern analytical economics is losing and has lost by neglecting its past.
From Avner's list on the history of economic thought.
If you love Economic Theory in Retrospect...
The High House
The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.
The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.
Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…
Want books like Economic Theory in Retrospect?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Economic Theory in Retrospect.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,210
readers submitted
so far, will you?
📚 If you like Economic Theory in Retrospect, you might also like...
December on 5C4
Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!
On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…
Living On Purpose
Many people from all walks of life, even after many accomplishments and experiences, are often plagued by dissatisfaction, pervasive longing, and deep questioning. These feelings may make them wonder if they are living the life they were meant to lead.
Living on Purpose is the guidebook these people have been…
