The World After Keynes

The World After Keynes examines the evolution of economic thought and policy in the decades following John Maynard Keynes's revolutionary work. This analysis charts the impact of Keynesian ideas on governments, institutions, and economic frameworks across the globe. Roll traces how Keynes's theories transformed approaches to unemployment, monetary policy, and fiscal management during the mid-20th century. The book explores the tensions between Keynesian economics and competing schools of economic thought, including both older classical theories and emerging monetarist perspectives. The author provides context for understanding post-war economic developments through careful examination of historical events and policy decisions. The text covers major economic challenges and policy responses across multiple nations and economic systems. At its core, this work raises fundamental questions about the role of government intervention in economic affairs and the complex relationship between theory and real-world economic management. The enduring relevance of Keynesian insights to modern economic challenges emerges as a central theme.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Eric Roll's overall work: 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."

The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money by John Maynard Keynes This foundational text presents the original economic theories that Roll analyzes and expands upon in his work.

The Rise and Fall of Keynesian Economics by Michael Bleaney The text traces the historical impact and evolution of Keynesian economic thought through the 20th century.

The Return of Depression Economics by Paul Krugman The book examines modern economic crises through a Keynesian lens and demonstrates the continued relevance of these theories in contemporary economics.

The End of Laissez-Faire by John Maynard Keynes This earlier work by Keynes outlines the philosophical and theoretical foundations that would later shape his economic theories.

The Age of Uncertainty by John Kenneth Galbraith The work provides a comprehensive examination of economic thought and its evolution, with particular attention to Keynesian influence on modern economic systems.

🔹 Eric Roll, later Baron Roll of Ipsden, served as a key economic advisor to the British government during World War II and helped implement many Keynesian policies firsthand. 🔹 The book was published in 1968 during a critical period when Keynesian economics faced its first major challenges, just before the stagflation of the 1970s would shake its foundations. 🔹 John Maynard Keynes, the subject of the book, was not only an economist but also a successful investor who managed the endowment of King's College, Cambridge, and helped establish the Arts Council of Great Britain. 🔹 Roll wrote this work while serving as Chairman of the S.G. Warburg & Co. merchant bank, offering unique insights from both academic and practical financial perspectives. 🔹 The book examines how Keynesian principles influenced post-WWII international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, which Keynes helped design at the Bretton Woods Conference.