The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression

The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression challenges the conventional narrative of the 1930s economic crisis and FDR's New Deal. Amity Shlaes examines the period from 1927 to 1940, presenting the Great Depression through the lens of free market economics and individual initiative. The book chronicles the actions of both presidents Herbert Hoover and Franklin D. Roosevelt during this pivotal era. Through stories of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and everyday citizens, Shlaes documents how government policies and interventions affected the American economy and its people. The narrative tracks major events including the Stock Market Crash, the implementation of New Deal programs, and the 1937 recession. Shlaes focuses on key figures like Wendell Willkie and members of Roosevelt's Brain Trust, while highlighting the experiences of ordinary Americans trying to navigate the economic turmoil. This reexamination of the Great Depression raises questions about the role of government intervention in economic recovery and the unintended consequences of centralized planning. The book's title references William Graham Sumner's concept of the "forgotten man" - the middle-class citizen who bears the burden of economic policies and social programs.

Readers note this book presents a conservative economic perspective on the Great Depression that challenges traditional New Deal narratives. Many reviewers appreciate the detailed research and personal stories of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and lesser-known historical figures who navigated the era. Likes: - Clear writing style that makes complex economics accessible - Focus on individuals rather than just policy and statistics - New perspectives on familiar historical events Dislikes: - Some readers find it politically biased against FDR and the New Deal - Several note it can be dry and dense in parts - Critics say it oversimplifies complex economic factors - Some argue it cherry-picks examples to support its thesis Ratings: Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,800+ reviews) Goodreads: 3.9/5 (4,000+ ratings) Reader quote: "Whether you agree with Shlaes' interpretation or not, she provides valuable context about an era that's often oversimplified in textbooks." - Goodreads reviewer

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📚 The title "The Forgotten Man" originates from William Graham Sumner's 1876 essay, referring to the middle-class taxpayer who bears the burden of government programs meant to help others. 🎓 Author Amity Shlaes served as a member of the Wall Street Journal's editorial board and has taught economic history at New York University's Stern School of Business. 📊 The book spent 19 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list and has been credited with influencing modern political discourse about economic policy during crises. ⚡ The narrative highlights lesser-known figures like Bill Wilson (founder of Alcoholics Anonymous) and Father Divine (an African American spiritual leader) to illustrate how individuals found solutions outside government programs. 📅 The book covers the entire span of the Great Depression (1929-1940), including the often-overlooked period between 1937-1938 when the economy experienced a severe downturn within the Depression itself.