In this fascinating character-driven history, a New York Times editorial writer
and Pulitzer Prize finalist spotlights the American economists who championed
the rise of markets and fundamentally reshaped the modern world.
Before the 1960s, American politicians had never paid much attention to
economists. But as the post-World War II boom began to sputter, economists
gained influence and power -- first in the United States and then around the
world as their ideas inspired nations to curb government, unleash corporations,
and hasten globalization.
Milton Friedman's libertarian ideals, Arthur Laffer's supply-side economics and
Paul Volcker's austere campaign against inflation all left a profound mark on
American life. So did lesser-known