📖 Overview
Glenn Hubbard is an American economist and academic who served as the Dean of Columbia Business School from 2004 to 2019. He is widely recognized for his work in public economics, tax policy, and financial markets.
As Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2003, Hubbard played a key role in shaping U.S. economic policy, particularly the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. He has authored numerous books including "Balance: The Economics of Great Powers from Ancient Rome to Modern America" and "Seeds of Destruction: Why the Path to Economic Ruin Runs Through Washington."
Hubbard's research has focused on tax policy, monetary policy, and the intersection of economics and politics. He currently serves as Professor of Finance and Economics at Columbia Business School and is a frequent commentator on economic issues in major media outlets.
His academic contributions include pioneering work on the effects of taxation on business decisions and corporate behavior. Hubbard has also served on the boards of various organizations including MetLife and BlackRock Closed-End Funds.
👀 Reviews
Readers value Hubbard's economics textbooks for their clear explanations of complex concepts and real-world applications. Students note his accessible writing style and effective use of examples, particularly in "Economics" and "Money, Banking and the Financial System."
Positive feedback focuses on:
- Logical organization and flow of topics
- Quality of practice problems and end-of-chapter materials
- Integration of current events and policy discussions
Common criticisms include:
- High textbook prices
- Some repetitive content between editions
- Political bias in certain policy discussions
- Dense mathematical sections with limited explanations
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: 4.2/5 (488 reviews across all books)
Goodreads: 3.7/5 (216 ratings)
"The examples make economic concepts click," writes one student reviewer. Another notes: "Good content but overpriced - rental is the way to go." Several reviewers mention the book feels "rushed in the later chapters" and "skims over important mathematical concepts."
📚 Books by Glenn Hubbard
The Aid Trap: Hard Truths About Ending Poverty (2009)
Analysis of how foreign aid programs can inadvertently perpetuate poverty and suggestions for market-based alternatives.
Balance: The Economics of Great Powers from Ancient Rome to Modern America (2013) Historical examination of how economic imbalances contributed to the rise and fall of major world powers.
Seeds of Destruction: Why the Path to Economic Ruin Runs Through Washington (2010) Examination of U.S. economic policy decisions and their long-term consequences on growth and stability.
Money, the Financial System, and the Economy (2007) Textbook covering monetary policy, banking systems, and financial markets.
Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise: Five Steps to a Better Health Care System (2005) Analysis of the U.S. healthcare system with proposed market-based reforms.
The Wall and the Bridge: Fear and Opportunity in Disruption's Wake (2022) Study of economic disruption, technological change, and policy responses to maintain growth while protecting workers.
Balance: The Economics of Great Powers from Ancient Rome to Modern America (2013) Historical examination of how economic imbalances contributed to the rise and fall of major world powers.
Seeds of Destruction: Why the Path to Economic Ruin Runs Through Washington (2010) Examination of U.S. economic policy decisions and their long-term consequences on growth and stability.
Money, the Financial System, and the Economy (2007) Textbook covering monetary policy, banking systems, and financial markets.
Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise: Five Steps to a Better Health Care System (2005) Analysis of the U.S. healthcare system with proposed market-based reforms.
The Wall and the Bridge: Fear and Opportunity in Disruption's Wake (2022) Study of economic disruption, technological change, and policy responses to maintain growth while protecting workers.