The Classical Economists

By: Dr. E.G. West

Narrated by: Louis Rukeyser

Length: 2 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's Summary

The classical economists pioneered a new way of thinking about the uniquely human tendency to produce, trade, consume, and accumulate.

Adam Smith (1723-1790) explained how the division of labor expands productive power and argued for freedom in economic affairs. David Ricardo (1772-1823), a London stockbroker, developed the concept of diminishing returns, the wages-fund doctrine, and classical rent theory. Another classical theorist, Thomas Malthus (1776-1834), proposed that workers are doomed to subsistence wages, because populations increase geometrically while food production increases arithmetically. Other classical economists, including James Mill and John Stuart Mill, extended and refined classical economics throughout the nineteenth century.

©1988 by Carmichael & Carmichael, Inc. / Knowledge Products

Solid overview

The author does a good job contextualizing the mercantilist environment in which Adam Smith made his landmark contribution to political economy. Thereafter the teachings of classical economics are traced from Adam Smith's upbeat world view to the more "dismal" overtones of David Ricardo and John S. Mill. I can't quite figure out whether the various personality accents are a plus or minus to an otherwise well-narrated piece.

Nice introduction, but quotation performance overkill

Seems like a solid introduction to Classical Economics, but the quotation performances were too over the top and distracting. Would recommend, but you don’t need a time-period & location-accurate voice-acting for quotes.

An easy read for basic economics

I like the introduction to economics on some great economists and what they brought to the table the concepts are interesting and most importantly the book was free check it out

Solid historiography reads well

Narration was solid. Characterization was great.
I would have appreciated more succinct summaries after first hand quotes/statistical citations.

Great lecture

You can understand the basics of economics and learn something of history in a brief

"Excellent, entertaining and educational"

If you could sum up The Classical Economists in three words, what would they be?

It gives a great introduction to the foundation of our modern economy. It is essential knowledge for anyone with even a passing interest in social, political and economic issues. It is very apt in the current economic climate and the raging debate over what is fairer capitalism

What other book might you compare The Classical Economists to and why?

The overview of each economist with the background of the time in which they lived and created their views

What does Louis Rukeyser bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It brings the material to life in a way not possible by just reading it.

Decent overview marred by poor presentation

I wish I could have enjoyed this more, but found the narrator's accent, and particularly occasional inflections, too distracting. Worse were the readings - the accents employed range from forgiveable to ludicrous, including an appearance by Shary Bobbins, pre-Simpsons! At least they didn't have to attempt a Welsh accent.