Essays in Economic History: Purchasing Power Parity, Standard of Living, and Monetary Standards

This book is a comprehensive collection of distinguished scholar Lawrence Officers' research over 50 years, covering purchasing power parity, standard of living, monetary standards, and economics in science fiction. It is ideal for academics, graduate and undergraduate students, and practitioners.

Format: Hardback
Length: 542 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This remarkable book represents the culmination of and a comprehensive compilation of distinguished scholar Lawrence Officers' extensive and distinguished research spanning over 50 years of scholarly endeavors. The collection primarily revolves around three central themes on which the author has dedicated the majority of his research efforts: purchasing power parity, standard of living, and monetary standards. Additionally, a unique and captivating chapter is included, delving into the intersection of economics and economic history within the realm of science fiction. This volume holds immense value for academics, graduate and undergraduate students, as well as practitioners engaged in the fields of economics and related disciplines.

Purchasing Power Parity:
Lawrence Officer's exploration of purchasing power parity (PPP) is a profound and insightful examination of the relationship between the exchange rates of different currencies and the relative prices of goods and services within different countries. Through meticulous analysis and rigorous mathematical equations, Officer sheds light on the factors that influence PPP, such as inflation rates, interest rates, and exchange rate fluctuations. He also discusses the practical implications of PPP, including its use in international trade, investment decisions, and economic policy analysis.

Standard of Living:
In this chapter, Lawrence Officer delves into the concept of the standard of living, a measure of the well-being and quality of life of individuals or households. He explores various factors that contribute to the standard of living, including income, consumption, healthcare, education, and environmental quality. Officer examines the historical trends in the standard of living across different countries and regions, as well as the challenges and opportunities that arise in improving it.

Monetary Standards:
Lawrence Officer's analysis of monetary standards is a crucial exploration of the role of money in the economy. He discusses the different types of monetary systems, such as fiat money, commodity money, and gold-based systems, and their respective advantages and disadvantages. Officer also examines the historical development of monetary systems and the challenges that they have faced, such as inflation, deflation, and financial instability.

Economics and Economic History in Science Fiction:
The final chapter of the book takes a unique and intriguing approach, delving into the intersection of economics and economic history within the realm of science fiction. Lawrence Officer explores how science fiction narratives have been used to explore economic themes, such as scarcity, inequality, and the impact of technological advancements on the economy. He also discusses the role of economic theory and analysis in shaping the narratives and themes of science fiction literature.

In conclusion, this book is a treasure trove of knowledge and insights into the field of economics. Lawrence Officer's profound scholarship and dedication to the study of economics have resulted in a comprehensive and accessible volume that is invaluable to academics, students, and practitioners alike. By exploring the three central themes of purchasing power parity, standard of living, and monetary standards, as well as the unique chapter on economics and economic history in science fiction, this book offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the complex and ever-evolving field of economics.

Weight: 868g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030959241
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022