Hayek: A Life, 1899-1950

Hayek: A Life, by historians Bruce Caldwell and Hansjoerg Klausinger, is an authoritative account of Friedrich Hayek's formative years, including his early career in Vienna, relationships in London and Cambridge, family disputes, and the creation of The Road to Serfdom and the founding meeting of the Mont Pelerin Society.

Format: Hardback
Length: 824 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Few figures in the 20th century have been as revered and reviled as Friedrich Hayek, an economist, social theorist, and leader of the Austrian school of economics. His profound insights into individualism and the market economy have garnered a devoted following, including influential figures in business and government. On the other hand, his critics have portrayed him as the intellectual progenitor of neoliberalism, associating him with all the perceived evils of that doctrine. In Hayek: A Life, historians of economics Bruce Caldwell and Hansjoerg Klausinger present an authoritative account of the influential economist's formative years. This comprehensive work delves into various aspects of Hayek's life, including his early career in Vienna, his relationships in London and Cambridge, his family disputes, and the creation of his seminal works, such as The Road to Serfdom and the founding meeting of the Mont Pelerin Society.

A landmark achievement in history and biography, Hayek: A Life makes a significant contribution to our understanding of a towering figure and to intellectual history as a whole. It provides a deep and nuanced portrayal of Hayek's life and work, shedding light on his intellectual development, his relationships, and the historical context in which he operated. Through extensive research and access to previously unseen archival material, Caldwell and Klausinger have crafted a narrative that is both captivating and informative.

One of the key strengths of Hayek: A Life is its ability to provide a balanced and comprehensive account of Hayek's life. The book delves into his early career in Vienna, where he developed his ideas and established himself as a leading economist. It also explores his relationships with other influential thinkers, such as John Maynard Keynes and Ludwig von Mises, and his contributions to the development of classical liberalism.

The book also sheds light on Hayek's personal life, including his family disputes and his struggles with health. These personal details add depth and dimension to his character and help readers understand the man behind the ideas. However, it is important to note that Hayek: A Life does not shy away from challenging aspects of his character and his ideas. The book portrays him as a complex and flawed individual, who made mistakes and had his own biases and limitations. This portrayal is essential in understanding the full range of his thought and its impact on the world.

Another notable aspect of Hayek: A Life is its ability to provide a historical context for his ideas. The book explores the social, economic, and political developments of the 20th century, including the rise of fascism, the Great Depression, and the emergence of neoliberalism. Hayek's ideas are placed within this context, and his contributions to economic theory and policy are evaluated in light of these historical events.

Hayek: A Life is a masterful work of history and biography that offers a deep and nuanced understanding of one of the most influential economists of the 20th century. Through its comprehensive coverage of Hayek's life and work, the book provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of economic theory, policy, and the historical context in which they operate. Whether one agrees with Hayek's ideas or not, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of economic thought and the development of modern society.

Weight: 1302g
Dimension: 166 x 237 x 57 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226816821