Monetary Statistics of the United States

Monetary Statistics of the United States represents a comprehensive analysis of U.S. monetary data from 1867 to 1960. The work was published in 1970 as part of the National Bureau of Economic Research's studies on money and banking. The book provides estimates of the money stock and its components over nearly a century, along with detailed methodological explanations. Through extensive statistical tables and documentation, it establishes standardized definitions and measurement approaches for monetary aggregates. Anna Schwartz, in collaboration with Milton Friedman, reconstructed historical monetary data series to enable consistent long-term economic analysis. The text includes critical examinations of previous statistical compilations and explains revisions to earlier estimates. This volume stands as a foundational reference work that helped establish modern frameworks for analyzing monetary policy and its effects on the broader economy. Its emphasis on precise measurement and standardized methodology influenced how central banks and economists approach monetary data collection and analysis.

This academic text remains obscure with few public reviews available online. The small number of reviews focus on its value as a comprehensive data source for economic researchers and historians studying US monetary trends from 1867-1960. Readers appreciated: - Detailed statistical tables and thorough documentation of sources/methods - Clear explanations of data collection procedures - Historical context provided for monetary policy decisions Common criticisms: - Dense technical writing makes it inaccessible to general readers - Some data series have gaps or inconsistencies - Limited analysis beyond raw statistics Available Ratings: Goodreads: No ratings Amazon: Not listed Google Books: No ratings The book appears primarily used in academic settings rather than by general readers. One economics professor noted it serves as "an invaluable reference work" for monetary research, while a graduate student called the technical details "overwhelming for newcomers to the field."

A Monetary History of the United States, 1867-1960 by Milton Friedman, Anna Schwartz A chronological analysis of monetary policy and banking systems through major economic events in U.S. history.

The Great Contraction, 1929-1933 by Anna Schwartz A focused examination of Federal Reserve policies during the critical years of the Great Depression.

Money in Historical Perspective by Anna Schwartz A collection of empirical studies on monetary economics covering inflation, interest rates, and financial regulations.

Understanding the Federal Reserve and Monetary Policy by Thomas F. Cargill An institutional history of the Federal Reserve System with data-driven analysis of its policy implementation.

This Time Is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly by Carmen Reinhart, Kenneth Rogoff A statistical investigation of financial crises across countries using monetary and economic data from the past 800 years.

📚 This landmark book, published in 1970, provides detailed monetary data spanning over 100 years of American financial history (1867-1960) 🏆 Author Anna Schwartz collaborated with Milton Friedman on this work, which became part of their influential series studying the role of money in the U.S. economy 💡 The research in this book helped establish the monetary theory that excessive money supply growth leads to inflation, now a fundamental principle of economics 📊 The book's meticulous compilation of statistics required the authors to standardize and reconcile data from numerous historical sources, including defunct banks and institutions 🏛️ Schwartz's work on this book led to her appointment as staff director of the U.S. Gold Commission in 1981, which examined the role of gold in the monetary system