The Poets' Guide to Economics

Poets were the unacknowledged legislators of the world, offering fresh perspectives on economic theories that still rule our lives. They span a range of opinion and knowledge, from Defoe to Pound, and contributed personal and often illuminating insights into the dismal science.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 16 June 2022
Publisher: Pallas Athene

Poets, often overlooked as legislators of the world, made a significant contribution to economics that has largely been forgotten. John Ramsden explores their forgotten role in this essay. Spanning from Defoe to Pound, these poets critiqued the prevailing economic orthodoxy and offered alternative perspectives. While some of their ideas ventured into dangerous territory, many of their criticisms have since been validated. With their witty and opinionated writings, these 11 poets provide fresh insights into the economic theories that still shape our lives.

The poets encompassed in this collection include Defoe, Swift, Coleridge, Scott, Shelley, de Quincey, Ruskin, Morris, Shaw, Belloc, and Pound. Their diverse opinions and knowledge of the world span a wide range. Some were closely involved in policy, while others were radical, even revolutionary. Others were reactionary, each offering personal and often illuminating insights into the dismal science.

Their contributions, though sometimes overlooked, shed light on the intricate relationship between poetry and economics, highlighting the power of words to shape our understanding of the world. By delving into the economic theories of their time and offering alternative viewpoints, these poets challenged the status quo and inspired future generations to think critically about the economic systems that govern our lives.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 136 x 204 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781843682219