John Kenneth Galbraith
John Kenneth Galbraith was a Canadian-American economist, public official, and diplomat, and a leading proponent of 20th-century American liberalism. He served as a professor of economics at Harvard University and wrote extensively on economic topics. His works include 'The Affluent Society' and 'The New Industrial State'. He was also an advisor to several U.S. presidents and held ambassadorial roles.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Affluent Society
"The Affluent Society" is a socio-economic critique that challenges the conventional wisdom of the time that economic growth leads to public wealth. The author argues that in reality, the increasing wealth of the United States has led to greater private affluence but public squalor due to inadequate investment in public goods and services. He proposes that society should strive for sustainable development rather than unlimited material advancement. The book has been influential in economic thought, particularly in the areas of public policy and consumer behavior.
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2. The Great Crash, 1929
The book provides a detailed analysis of the economic factors and decisions that led to the Wall Street crash of 1929, which precipitated the Great Depression. It examines the speculative bubble that grew in the preceding years, driven by overly optimistic investments in the stock market, and the lack of regulation that allowed for rampant financial speculation. The author delves into the aftermath of the crash, exploring its profound effects on the economy and society, and critiques the responses of financial and political leaders. The narrative serves as both a historical account and a cautionary tale about the dangers of financial excess and the importance of regulatory oversight.
