The Big Three in Economics

Adam Smith, Karl Marx, and John Maynard Keynes

By: Mark Skousen

Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach

Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

The Big Three in Economics reveals the battle of ideas among the three most influential economists in world history: Adam Smith, representing laissez faire; Karl Marx, reflecting the radical socialist model; and John Maynard Keynes, symbolizing big government and the welfare state. History comes alive in this fascinating story of opposing views that continue to play a fundamental role in today's politics and economics.

In the 21st century, Adam Smith's "invisible hand" model has gained the upper hand, and capitalism has ultimately won the ideological battle over socialism and interventionism. But even in the era of globalization and privatization, Keynesian and Marxist ideas continue to play a significant role in economic policy in the public and private sectors.

©2007 Mark Skousen (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Thoughtful, acutely observed and profoundly moving....Barker mixes brilliantly observed contemporary realism and mystical overtones with dazzling skill. The book has the grip of a superior thriller while introducing, with no sense of strain, a sense of sorrowful mortality that lingers long after the last page." (Publishers Weekly)

Good survey, but notably biased

Dude really doesn't like Marx, but this seems like a decent introduction to the major ideas behind modern economics. I'm a novice, so take that for what it's worth.

Written pre- 2008 economic collapse

Content was good but a bit copy/paste as another reviewer has mentioned.

Came off a bit sardonic as well, no doubt helped by the robot narrator.

well explained economic history

an objective review of economic theory. Explains well capitalism and Marxism , illuminating!!! erudite and clear economic theory

Basic Introduction to Economic Systems

Where does The Big Three in Economics rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Well towards the top

Any additional comments?

It is not to long and does not going into a lot of esoteric detail. It will provide a good understanding of some of the very fundamentals of three major economic systems.

Unexpected diamond

I really was not expecting this master piece. It's the equivalent of "Sapiens", but instead of anthropology, it's about economy. From Adam Smith to today's scenario, the author navegantes all the way with the economical theories, counter theories, the real person behind it, their motivation, their followers (and "hater") . In the end you get a taste of feeling a little smarter, understand why so many people follow those or that economics believe, and at times in history with one was "the one, and only" just to be challenged at a corner of history... sometimes winning, some time taking a having punch. Hope the listen to more books like these.

in a side note, listen to the formulas was the worse part... sometimes I find myself desperately looking for a piece of paper to write them down, just to understand visually what he was talking about.

Thoughtful and Fascinating

Loved this audio book! Great overview of the evolution of economics and how each of the three schools of thought have fared in the real world.

Chip

Written for Economist students not general public. would definitely recommend for people who are considering a future role as an economist. Too much detail for me.

What you really need to know

That is what is in this book and I loved it. You can't go wrong if you buy this book.

Interesting

i recommend listening to this book twice, there is a lot of information and background info about each gentlemen. i would never had classified Marx as an economist but the author presents points worth considering. a good study, you will need some time to digest their theories, at least i did.

learnt a lot

it is not the first book I have read/listened to on the history of economics and yet, I have learnt a lot. Simple exposition, concepts are made accesible.
I have read that the author is too anti-Marx. Maybe. But is that wrong? Limited to the science of economics, is it wrong to be anti-Marx? If Marx theory are wrong than it would be ok to oppose them I'd say.
It looks to me that history has provided a good deal of proof that an anti-Marx, the economist, is actually ok.
That said, the author leans clearly towards the free market side. Again, to say that that is not ok must be proved with facts, not personal taste.