Sir Dennis Holme Robertson (1890–1963) was one of Britain's foremost economists, who was also celebrated widely abroad, especially in the USA. He made a crucial contribution to the development of economic thought during his lifetime, especially regarding the relationship between the trade, or business, cycle and economic growth in a money-using economy, and bequeathed an inimitable legacy to posterity. Robertson was also, for many, one of the best-loved economists, who charmed generations of Cambridge undergraduates with his teaching and delighted readers worldwide with his witty and whimsical style of writing. For intellectual precocity, literary facility and the inherent interest of his non-professional activities, Robertson rivals John Maynard Keynes. At the same time, Robertson has been described as a neglected, or at least relatively undiscovered, economist, whose contributions are largely unknown beyond a relatively small group of loyal supporters in the profession. In the years since Robertson's death, this group has done much to bring his ideas to the notice of a wider audience.
This book provides a comprehensive overview of Robertson's life and work, and the relationship between them, based on biographical and historical evidence, literary criticism and economic analysis. There is also a focus on Robertson's relationship – personal and professional – with Keynes and Keynesian economics, within the Cambridge School of economic thought. Robertson's main economic ideas and theories are examined closely and his contributions explained. Uncovering the sources of Robertson's inspiration and ideas and the all-important causal relationship between the man and his work, this fascinating account is a must-read for all interested in rediscovering this great economist.
Dennis Robertson: The Economics and the Man
The Early Years: Lessons for Life
Cambridge Undergraduate: The Light and the Dark
Varieties of Escape: 1, Economist and Soldier
The Economics of Social Improvement
A Theory of the Trade Cycle
The Anatomy of the Study
Welfare in Relation to Cycles and Growth
The 1920s: Making a Reputation
The Characteristics of a Style
Money in a Theory of the Cycle
An Odd Little Book
Banking Policy in the Cycle
An 'Ideal' Banking Policy
Varieties of Escape: 2, Traveller and Professional Actor
The 1930s: Robertsonian Theory and Policy in the Decade of Keynes
Robertson and Keynes: Parallels and Differences
Keynesian Revolution and Robertsonian Dissent
A Resolution of the Controversy
The LSE and the Treasury
Professor at Cambridge: 1, Faculty Politics, Public Service and Lecturing
Professor at Cambridge: 2, Public Addresses, Querulous Dissent and Scenes from College Life
A Question of Legacy
GORDON FLETCHER is Senior Lecturer of Economics at the Management School at the University of Liverpool, UK.
Description
Sir Dennis Holme Robertson (1890–1963) was one of Britain's foremost economists, who was also celebrated widely abroad, especially in the USA. He made a crucial contribution to the development of economic thought during his lifetime, especially regarding the relationship between the trade, or business, cycle and economic growth in a money-using economy, and bequeathed an inimitable legacy to posterity. Robertson was also, for many, one of the best-loved economists, who charmed generations of Cambridge undergraduates with his teaching and delighted readers worldwide with his witty and whimsical style of writing. For intellectual precocity, literary facility and the inherent interest of his non-professional activities, Robertson rivals John Maynard Keynes. At the same time, Robertson has been described as a neglected, or at least relatively undiscovered, economist, whose contributions are largely unknown beyond a relatively small group of loyal supporters in the profession. In the years since Robertson's death, this group has done much to bring his ideas to the notice of a wider audience.
This book provides a comprehensive overview of Robertson's life and work, and the relationship between them, based on biographical and historical evidence, literary criticism and economic analysis. There is also a focus on Robertson's relationship – personal and professional – with Keynes and Keynesian economics, within the Cambridge School of economic thought. Robertson's main economic ideas and theories are examined closely and his contributions explained. Uncovering the sources of Robertson's inspiration and ideas and the all-important causal relationship between the man and his work, this fascinating account is a must-read for all interested in rediscovering this great economist.
Contents
Dennis Robertson: The Economics and the Man
The Early Years: Lessons for Life
Cambridge Undergraduate: The Light and the Dark
Varieties of Escape: 1, Economist and Soldier
The Economics of Social Improvement
A Theory of the Trade Cycle
The Anatomy of the Study
Welfare in Relation to Cycles and Growth
The 1920s: Making a Reputation
The Characteristics of a Style
Money in a Theory of the Cycle
An Odd Little Book
Banking Policy in the Cycle
An 'Ideal' Banking Policy
Varieties of Escape: 2, Traveller and Professional Actor
The 1930s: Robertsonian Theory and Policy in the Decade of Keynes
Robertson and Keynes: Parallels and Differences
Keynesian Revolution and Robertsonian Dissent
A Resolution of the Controversy
The LSE and the Treasury
Professor at Cambridge: 1, Faculty Politics, Public Service and Lecturing
Professor at Cambridge: 2, Public Addresses, Querulous Dissent and Scenes from College Life
A Question of Legacy
Authors
GORDON FLETCHER is Senior Lecturer of Economics at the Management School at the University of Liverpool, UK.
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