Dennis Robertson / Gordon Fletcher.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Fletcher, Gordon A., 1942-

Series:

Great thinkers in economics series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Robertson, Dennis Holme, Sir, 1890-1963.

Robertson, Dennis Holme.

Economists--Great Britain--Biography.

Economists.

Great Britain.

Economics--Great Britain--History--20th century.

Economics.

History.

Genre:

Biographies.

Physical Description:

ix, 268 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm.

Place of Publication:

Basingstoke [England] ; New York : Palgrave Macmillan, 2008.

Summary:

Sir Dennis Holme Robertson (1890-1963) was one of Britain's foremost economists, who was also celebrated widely abroad, especially in the USA. He made a crucial contribution to the development of economic thought during his lifetime, especially regarding the relationship between the trade, or business, cycle and economic growth in a money-using economy, and bequeathed an inimitable legacy to posterity. Robertson was also, for many, one of the best-loved economists, who charmed generations of Cambridge undergraduates with his teaching and delighted readers worldwide with his witty and whimsical style of writing. For intellectual precocity, literary facility and the inherent interest of his non-professional activities, Robertson rivals John Maynard Keynes. At the same time, Robertson has been described as a neglected, or at least relatively undiscovered, economist, whose contributions are largely unknown beyond a relatively small group of loyal supporters in the profession. In the years since Robertson's death, this group has done much to bring his ideas to the notice of a wider audience.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of Robertson's life and work, and the relationship between them, based on biographical and historical evidence, literary criticism and economic analysis. There is also a focus on Robertson's relationship - personal and professional - with Keynes and Keynesian economics, within the Cambridge School of economic thought. Robertson's main economic ideas and theories are examined closely and his contributions explained. Uncovering the sources of Robertson's inspiration and ideas and the all-important causal relationship between the man and his work, this fascinating account is a must-read for all interested in rediscovering this great economist.

Contents:

1 Dennis Robertson: The Economics and the Man 1

2 The Early Years: Lessons for Life 12

3 Cambridge Undergraduate: The Light and the Dark 25

4 Varieties of Escape: 1, Economist and Soldier 37

5 The Economics of Social Improvement 49

6 A Theory of the Trade Cycle 63

7 The Anatomy of the Study 70

8 Welfare in Relation to Cycles and Growth 78

9 The 1920s: Making a Reputation 86

10 The Characteristics of a Style 95

11 Money in a Theory of the Cycle 109

12 An Odd Little Book 124

13 Banking Policy in the Cycle 131

14 An Ideal Banking Policy 145

15 Varieties of Escape: 2, Traveller and Professional Actor 150

16 The 1930s: Robertsonian Theory and Policy in the Decade of Keynes 159

17 Robertson and Keynes: Parallels and Differences 171

18 Keynesian Revolution and Robertsonian Dissent 179

19 A Resolution of the Controversy 189

20 The LSE and the Treasury 201

21 Professor at Cambridge: 1, Faculty Politics, Public Service and Lecturing 213

22 Professor at Cambridge: 2, Public Addresses, Querulous Dissent and Scenes from College Life 223

23 A Question of Legacy 235.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 247-258) and index.

ISBN:

1403999341

9781403999344

OCLC:

223107878