New Ideas from Dead Economists: An Introduction to Modern Economic Thought by Todd G. Buchholz

Lately, it seems I have had a penchant for old books on economics. New Ideas from Dead Economists: An Introduction to Modern Economic Thought by Todd G. Buchholz is the latest "old" book I've recently had the pleasure of reviewing.  As you dive into Buchholz's latest revision of his 1989 original you will see that he has been reading some much older books.

In New Ideas from Dead Economists Buchholz applies the thinking of Adam Smith, John Stewart Mills, John Maynard Keynes and many others to include the cast of Gilligan's Island and Henny Youngman with an approachable and relevant style.

As any student of economic knows, the different schools of thought developed and inspired by the great economists are often at loggerheads with one another.  Buchholz does an amazing job of keeping on track presenting opposing points of view with equal vigilance and clarity.  In and of itself, this feat would make New Ideas from Dead Economists a worthwhile read.  However, Buchholz goes one step further by making his discussion both informative and entertaining.

While a quick check on Amazon.com reveals a mixed bag of reviews, the wisdom of the crowds weighs in heavily on the positive end of scale.

If you are looking for a well rounded introduction to the great economic thinkers and their schools of thought, you would be hard pressed to find a better starting point.  New Ideas from Dead Economists is a must read.

Take care and enjoy...

JWM