Eric Roll

Eric Roll (1907-2005) was a prominent British economist, civil servant, and academic who made significant contributions to economic history and policy. His most influential work was "A History of Economic Thought," first published in 1938, which became a standard text in universities worldwide and was translated into multiple languages. During his career, Roll held several high-ranking positions in British public service, including being the Head of the British Food Mission in Washington during World War II and serving as Permanent Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Economic Affairs. He later became Chairman of the S.G. Warburg & Co. merchant bank and was created Baron Roll of Ipsden in 1977. As an economic historian, Roll was known for his ability to present complex economic theories in accessible terms while maintaining scholarly rigor. His analysis of the development of economic ideas from ancient times through the modern era provided valuable insights into the evolution of economic thinking. Roll's academic career included positions at University College Hull and Columbia University, where he helped shape economic education in the mid-20th century. His work bridged the gap between theoretical economics and practical policy-making, influenced by his unique experience in both government service and academia.

Readers consistently highlight Roll's clarity in explaining complex economic concepts, particularly in "A History of Economic Thought." Many students and academics cite his ability to trace economic ideas through history without losing the reader in technical details. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of difficult theories - Comprehensive coverage of economic history - Balanced treatment of different schools of thought - Useful as both a reference and learning tool What readers disliked: - Some sections feel dated (especially in older editions) - Limited coverage of non-Western economic thought - Dense writing style in certain chapters - Technical language can be challenging for beginners Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (based on 112 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (based on 47 reviews) One university student reviewer noted: "Roll manages to explain Marx's economic theories more clearly than Marx himself." A common criticism from modern readers points to the book's age: "Needs updating to include more recent economic developments and diverse perspectives."

A History of Economic Thought (1938) Traces the development of economic ideas from ancient civilizations through modern times, examining major schools of economic thought and their key contributors.

Elements of Economic Theory (1947) Presents fundamental economic concepts and theoretical frameworks used in analyzing economic systems and market behavior.

The Combined Food Board (1949) Documents the operations and impact of the Allied nations' food distribution coordination during World War II.

An Early Experiment in Industrial Organization (1935) Examines the history and structure of the English steel industry between 1918 and 1935.

A History of Banking in the United States (1967) Chronicles the evolution of American banking institutions from colonial times to the mid-twentieth century.

The World After Keynes (1968) Analyzes the influence of Keynesian economics on post-World War II economic policies and international financial systems.

Crowded Hours (1985) Autobiographical account of Roll's career in economics, government service, and business during pivotal moments of the 20th century.

John Kenneth Galbraith wrote extensively on economic history and institutional economics from a similar broad societal perspective as Roll. His works like "The Great Crash 1929" and "The Affluent Society" examine economic systems through historical and social contexts.

Joseph Schumpeter developed theories about capitalism, economic cycles, and the role of innovation in economic development. His analysis of economic history parallels Roll's comprehensive approach to understanding market evolution.

Karl Polanyi focused on the relationship between economics and social institutions throughout history. His work "The Great Transformation" explores how market economies emerged from earlier social systems, similar to Roll's historical analysis of economic thought.

Robert Heilbroner traced the development of economic ideas through the lens of major historical thinkers and social movements. His book "The Worldly Philosophers" examines economic thought in a manner that complements Roll's approach in "A History of Economic Thought."

Maurice Dobb analyzed economic systems with particular attention to the transition from feudalism to capitalism. His historical method and focus on institutional change align with Roll's examination of economic development and social transformation.