Garet Garrett

Garet Garrett (1878-1954) was an American journalist, author, and influential conservative critic of the New Deal who wrote for publications including The Saturday Evening Post and The Wall Street Journal. His work focused on economic policy, individual liberty, and what he saw as the dangers of expanding government power. During the 1920s and 1930s, Garrett gained prominence for his writings on business and finance, including several books that examined the mechanics of market bubbles and financial crashes. His 1932 work "A Bubble That Broke the World" provided analysis of the 1929 stock market crash and subsequent Great Depression. In his later works such as "The People's Pottage" (1953), Garrett argued against what he viewed as America's drift toward collectivism and away from its founding principles of limited government. His pamphlet "The Revolution Was" became particularly influential in conservative circles for its argument that the New Deal represented a peaceful revolution that fundamentally transformed American society. Garrett's ideas influenced subsequent generations of libertarian and conservative thinkers, though he remained relatively unknown to mainstream audiences. His work experienced renewed interest in the late 20th century as his warnings about government expansion and erosion of individual liberty resonated with modern political movements.

Readers consistently praise Garrett's prescient economic analysis and clear writing style. His work "The People's Pottage" receives particular attention for its warnings about government overreach. Multiple reviewers note his ability to explain complex financial concepts in accessible terms. Liked: - Clear, direct prose style - Accurate predictions about economic trends - Detailed historical analysis - Logical presentation of arguments Disliked: - Dense economic terminology in some works - Dated references requiring historical context - Limited availability of his books - Some readers find his tone overly pessimistic Ratings: - Goodreads: "The People's Pottage" - 4.3/5 (127 ratings) - Amazon: "The Driver" - 4.6/5 (89 reviews) - "A Bubble That Broke the World" - 4.4/5 (56 reviews) One reader noted: "Garrett predicted many current economic issues with remarkable accuracy." Another commented: "His analysis of government expansion remains relevant today, though some references need updating."

The Driver (1922) A novel about a railroad executive battling Wall Street financiers while building a transcontinental empire.

The Blue Wound (1921) A symbolic narrative examining post-World War I society through conversations between a mysterious stranger and various characters.

The Cinder Buggy (1923) Historical novel chronicling the transition from iron to steel manufacturing in American industry.

Satan's Bushel (1924) A story set in the Chicago wheat markets exploring speculation and agricultural economics.

Harangue: The Trees Said to the Bramble Come Reign Over Us (1927) Analysis of the rise of centralized government power in the United States.

The American Omen (1928) Examination of American industrial methods and economic systems between the World Wars.

A Bubble That Broke the World (1932) Analysis of the causes and international consequences of the 1929 stock market crash.

The People's Pottage (1953) Collection of essays critiquing New Deal policies and the growth of federal government.

The Revolution Was (1944) Essay analyzing the expansion of executive power during the Roosevelt administration.

Rise of Empire (1952) Examination of how American foreign policy changed after World War II.

Albert Jay Nock wrote about individualism, economics and the dangers of state power during the same period as Garrett. His works like "Our Enemy, the State" examine similar themes of liberty versus authority and the rise of centralized control.

Isabel Paterson focused on freedom, capitalism and critiques of New Deal policies in the 1930s-40s. Her book "The God of the Machine" explores economic principles and political philosophy with the same classical liberal perspective as Garrett.

H.L. Mencken wrote commentary on American politics and culture in the early 20th century with a skeptical view of government power. His newspaper columns and books share Garrett's critical analysis of state intervention and defense of free markets.

Rose Wilder Lane published works on individualism and economic freedom in opposition to New Deal policies and growing federal authority. Her book "The Discovery of Freedom" covers historical development of free enterprise and limited government similar to Garrett's writings.

John T. Flynn wrote about the dangers of concentrated political power and economic planning in the Roosevelt era. His work "As We Go Marching" analyzes the growth of state control in ways that parallel Garrett's warnings about American drift toward collectivism.