Kim Phillips-Fein

Kim Phillips-Fein is a historian and professor at New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study, specializing in American political, business, and labor history. Her research focuses on the intersection of economic thought and political movements in modern American history. Phillips-Fein's most recognized work is "Invisible Hands: The Businessmen's Crusade Against the New Deal" (2009), which examines how business leaders and conservative activists organized opposition to New Deal liberalism from the 1930s through the Reagan era. She followed this with "Fear City: New York's Fiscal Crisis and the Rise of Austerity Politics" (2017), analyzing New York's 1975 financial crisis and its implications for urban governance. Her writing has appeared in academic journals and mainstream publications including The Nation, The Atlantic, and The New York Times. Phillips-Fein's work is particularly noted for illuminating the historical roots of modern conservative economic thinking and market-oriented politics in America. She received her Ph.D. in American History from Columbia University and continues to research the relationship between economic ideas and political power in American society. Her scholarship has earned several academic honors, including the Bancroft Dissertation Award and a fellowship from the Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers at the New York Public Library.

Readers appreciate Phillips-Fein's thorough research and her ability to connect historical events to current economic policies. Multiple reviewers note her clear writing style makes complex financial topics accessible to non-experts. What readers liked: - Detailed archival research and documentation - Clear explanations of complicated financial concepts - Balanced presentation of different viewpoints - Connections between past economic policies and present situations What readers disliked: - Some sections become repetitive - Technical financial details can be dense - Limited coverage of certain key figures or events - Some readers wanted more analysis of alternative policy solutions Ratings: Goodreads: - "Invisible Hands": 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings) - "Fear City": 4.1/5 (800+ ratings) Amazon: - "Invisible Hands": 4.2/5 (50+ reviews) - "Fear City": 4.4/5 (40+ reviews) One reader commented: "Phillips-Fein presents complex economic history without ideological bias." Another noted: "The research is impressive but some chapters get bogged down in minutiae."

Invisible Hands: The Businessmen's Crusade Against the New Deal (2009) A historical examination of the conservative business leaders who organized opposition to New Deal policies from the 1930s through the 1970s.

Fear City: New York's Fiscal Crisis and the Rise of Austerity Politics (2017) Chronicles New York City's 1975 financial crisis, its near-bankruptcy, and the resulting transformation of municipal governance and public services.

A Most Just Cause: Labor, Management, and the Fight over Economic Rights in Postwar America (2024) Documents the conflicts between labor unions and business management from the 1940s through the 1960s, focusing on debates over workers' economic rights.

Nelson Lichtenstein writes about labor history, business power, and American capitalism in the 20th century. His work on retail and unions parallels Phillips-Fein's focus on business conservatism and economic transformation.

Jefferson Cowie examines working-class politics and the decline of labor movements in the United States. His analysis of the 1970s economic crisis connects with Phillips-Fein's exploration of New York's fiscal emergency.

Bethany Moreton studies the intersection of religion, free markets, and conservative politics in modern America. Her research on Walmart and evangelical Christianity complements Phillips-Fein's work on business activism and right-wing movements.

Angus Burgin focuses on the intellectual history of free-market economics and conservative thought. His work on the Mont Pelerin Society and neoliberalism shares themes with Phillips-Fein's research on business opposition to the New Deal.

Jennifer Klein investigates the history of health care, labor, and social policy in the United States. Her examination of welfare capitalism and business influence on social programs aligns with Phillips-Fein's analysis of corporate political power.