Legacies of Great Economists

By: Timothy Taylor, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Timothy Taylor

Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

When it comes to economics and economic theory, a few thinkers dominate the landscape.

Adam Smith, Karl Marx, Alfred Marshall, John Maynard Keynes, and a handful of others have shaped the world of economics and influenced our lives.

These 10 lectures acquaint you with the thoughts, theories, and lives of these great economists.

You'll grasp the guiding principles of economics through a better understanding of the economists who developed them. In this broad span of time since these thinkers first presented their ideas, economic issues and concerns have changed greatly - but core economic doctrine remains. These lectures provide a fresh take on how various economic theories were formed and how subsequent economists fine-tuned those theories. They show that there are valuable lessons to be learned from history's great economists, whether their theories have held up over time, required revision, or been discredited in practice. And as Professor Taylor leads you through those theories, you'll come away with insight about why some current disputes over economic policy have been continual sources of argument over the last several centuries. By providing a glimpse into the minds of the geniuses who laid the foundations of modern economics, Professor Taylor offers new ideas and perspectives to enhance your understanding of the subject. More than dull numbers and graphs, this series focuses on personalities and brings economics to life.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©1996 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)1996 The Great Courses

Great Supplement

This is a terrific supplement to Dr. Taylor's other work, Economics 3rd Edition. Learning about the specific economists behind the theories presented in the other book make the lessons really stick in the mind, as the personal and historical contexts help expand and justify the thinking surrounding complex ideas. If you enjoyed his other work, or already have a strong understanding of economic theory, then I highly recommend this book.

excellent series of lectures by the professor

excellent series of lectures by the professor. easy to understand the history of major economics.

Capitalism vs. Socialism (+ Economics)

A big part of this book is about capitalism vs. socialism...but the economics part of it is sprinkled throughout the entire book.

Very good summary

Prof. Taylor does a great job. Very useful summary of the subject and the contribution of great economists.

One of the Best

This is one of the best lectures I've heard. It came free with audible but I'm definitely going to buy it once it stops being free. Amazing

Everything I wanted and more

A very nuanced story and well narrated. I have learned a lot of things from this lecture.

Great Foundations on Important Thinkers

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is a great book to learn the basics of Economic thought by its founding fathers

What was one of the most memorable moments of Legacies of Great Economists?

Adam Smith

Who knew economics could be so captivating?

This is the second series I've listened to by Tim Taylor and I have to rank him right up there with the best of The Great Courses professors. He is easy to listen to. -- energetic, passionate about the subject, and able to explain anything in the simplest of terms.

This series takes you on a marvelously captivating walk through the history of economic thought -- how great minds evolved our thinking to understand what an economy was and what made it work. So from a historical perspective, it provides a fascinating perspective on our evolution as a society.

From an economic and political perspective you will gain wonderful insights. I dare say your friends will think twice about quoting Adam Smith or Karl Marx in your presence once you've finished listening to this; and when politicians quote John Maynard Keynes or Milton Friedman, you'll know which parts are established fact, and which parts remain controversial theory.

these lectures were recorded before the financial crisis of the late 2000s, and I think that's a good thing. You will understand the prevailing theories of macroeconomics and decide for yourself how it applies today.

History of Economics

The lectures are conversational and the content engaging (for those interested in the history of economics). It's fascinating how some the famous economists have crossed paths and refined their theories through letters and lively debate.

Interesting intro to famous economists

In Lecture #2, author was so bubbly that when I started listening to lecture #3, I thought it was a different speaker. He sounded bored when he starts a new lecture but like a movie, he builds up his excitement at the middle of each lecture. It was an entertaining introduction to economists even if you don't have ant prior knowledge to economics. I enjoyed it. Worth the 6 hours. I actually listened to it twice.