Keynes in Action: Truth and Expediency in Public Policy

John Maynard Keynes' ideas and example remain relevant today, as Peter Clarke reveals in his book "Keynes in Action." Clarke shows how Keynes' influence was broader based and rooted in his intellectual and cultural milieu, including Bloomsbury and his friendship with Virginia Woolf. Keynes was a pragmatic economist whose concept of truth needed to be interpreted in tension with expediency in implementing public policy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 274 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

John Maynard Keynes, a renowned economist who passed away in 1946, continues to leave a lasting impact on our world. In this captivating new book, Peter Clarke delves into the multifaceted career of Keynes, revealing that it was far more than just that of an academic economist or a modern policy advisor. While Keynes is rightly celebrated for his profound contributions to economic theory, his influence extended far beyond that realm. Clarke offers a comprehensive assessment of Keynes's influence, placing it within a rich historical, political, and cultural context.

Beginning with his involvement in Paris during the Versailles Treaty, Clarke traces the full trajectory of Keynes's public career. He uncovers how Keynes's economic insights were deeply rooted in his broader intellectual and cultural milieu, including his connections with the Bloomsbury group and his close friendship with Virginia Woolf. Moreover, Clarke highlights Keynes's involvement in government business, which added a practical dimension to his theories.

Keynes in Action presents a nuanced portrayal of Keynes, revealing a more pragmatic side to his character. Clarke emphasizes that Keynes's concept of truth needed to be interpreted in conjunction with an understanding of expediency in implementing public policy. This nuanced approach sheds light on Keynes's willingness to adapt his ideas to meet the challenges of his time.

Through his meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Peter Clarke offers a fresh perspective on John Maynard Keynes, demonstrating how his ideas and example remain relevant in today's world. This book is a valuable addition to the literature on economics and politics, providing insights into the life and work of one of the most influential economists of the 20th century.

Weight: 466g
Dimension: 149 x 223 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009255011