The Big Three in Economics

Cut and paste

This book is ok. Unfortunately it is pretty much a "cut and paste" book assembeled from his earlier works. Instead of this one, buy "The history of modern economics" by the same author.

34 people found this helpful

Two for One

If you listened to Skousen's Making of Modern Economics then there really is no reason to pick up this volume. There are whole passages lifted from the prior text and this volume offeres really no new insight. This is more of an abridged version of his earlier volume. There is a lot of really good theory in this book and perhaps a little more focused that the purposely broader volume published earlier. I recommend it for someone who just wants the major thinkers instead of the progression of economic though.

28 people found this helpful

Quality economic intro, but not without bias

This was my first book about pure economics (vs. economic history) and I learned a tremendous amount. Skousen takes a circumspect approach to each school of thought, briefly addressing the biography of each character and then describing his ideas and their ramifications.

It's worth pointing out that book is really about the big 3 schools of thought, rather than just the central personalities of the "Big Three". Skousen addresses the primary evangelists of each school who followed the three greats as well. Overall, his coverage of the topic felt thorough as he deftly switches between history, the nuts of bolts of each theory, and the effects of each.

One word of caution, however. I expected this book to be more "Just the facts, Ma'am" as it discussed each school of thought, leaving true evaluation of the theories up to the reader. However Skousen's neo-classical bent comes through almost immediately. His opinion is well-reasoned and I found myself agreeing with it almost unanimously, but the title left me expecting something slightly different than what the book delivered, which made it a 4-star overall.

The reading didn't detract from the text. Hey, we're talking economic theory, right? How much do you expect with regards to dramatic reading?

12 people found this helpful

A great introduction into the history of economics

I fairly don't understand people who complain this book is biased. So what? The bias is easily distinguishable and it doesn't compromise the facts presented in the book. You don't need to convert yourself in to a free market economist to learn a bit of the history. At worst, you would know one biased point and it'd give you an even better perspective while reading a different point of view on the same economists or events.

As the author noted, it is important to try to avoid discrediting all of the person's work just because his or her major theory was proven or considered false (he was talking about Marx, btw). Thus if you disagree with the author on some major grounds, I think it's always a good exercise to try to find things that you agree with and can make use of.

Good book, great narration. Giving four stars because the story may have been a bit monotonous at times.

7 people found this helpful

I don't agree with but appreciated this book

I am definitely not a Marx fan, but I felt that this author is a bit too conservative for my taste. Yet, I actually appreciated the way he explained, summarized, and contrasted these three men's ideas. The reality is that, I think, these three men's ideas were shaped by the political and social environment of the times each experienced as well as by their social backgrounds. I recently read (listened to) both Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations and Joseph Stiglitz's The Price of Inequality and was amazed by how the world has changed between 1776 and 2012. I would not be surprised if Smith were alive now as an economist, he would have agreed with Stiglitz's viewpoint (though I am positive that the author of this book would not agree with me!). Anyway, I enjoyed listening to this book.

2 people found this helpful

Bias. Told through bourgeoisie values.

The author does not disseminate without subjectively adding personal opinions instead giving you his ranking and pushing you toward his view. You yourself should be the person to contemplate and adopt a model.

1 person found this helpful

What you really need to know

That is what is in this book and I loved it. You can't go wrong if you buy this book.

7 people found this helpful

A bit dry

The text was a bit dry. Good topical information.

2 people found this helpful

Another Ayn Rand disciple?

This would have been much better if it had been a more balanced book. It is definitely in the free market + religion + tea party ballpark. If that's your inclination then you'll like it. But if you want an objective and balanced view of economics ... definitely pick another book than this.

9 people found this helpful

A very biased point of view

I just wanted a comparison of the ideas- what I got was glowing praise of Smith and his ideas- followed by a hat acted assassination of Marx with very little on his economic thought or ideas- i can't bring myself to even finish- I was looking for facts and comparison of their theory I'm not interested in the authors opinions.