Veblen: The Making of an Economist Who Unmade Economics

Thorstein Veblen's biography reveals that he was not an outsider to the social world he analyzed, but rather a product of the late nineteenth-century revolution in higher education. His ideas about conspicuous consumption and the leisure class were derived from his education and involvement in debates about wealth distribution in economics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 504 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2021
Publisher: Harvard University Press

Thorstein Veblen, a prominent figure in American economic analysis, emerges as a captivating subject in a bold new biography that delves into his profound insights into modern capitalist society. Contrary to common perceptions, Veblen was not an outsider to the social world he meticulously examined. In fact, his education and upbringing coincided with a transformative revolution in higher education during the late 19th century, driven by the patronage of the industrial giants of that era. Veblen's educational journey took him from his local roots at Carleton College to esteemed institutions such as Johns Hopkins, Yale, Cornell, and the University of Chicago, where he studied under the guidance of renowned philosophers, historians, and economists. His intellectual pursuits culminated in the publication of his seminal works, "The Theory of the Leisure Class" and "The Theory of Business Enterprise," which solidified his position as a leading professional economist.

Throughout his career, Veblen remained deeply engaged in debates surrounding wealth distribution within the field of economics. His unique perspective and insights led him to develop original ideas about the social institutions that enable wealthy Americans, often referred to as "parasites," to accumulate vast fortunes at the expense of productive individuals. In today's context, when great wealth inequalities again capture national attention, Camic's biography provides valuable insights into the historical roots and continuities of these phenomena. By examining Veblen's life and work, readers gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that shape economic and social hierarchies, shedding light on the ongoing challenges and opportunities for social change.

Weight: 920g
Dimension: 179 x 242 x 44 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674659728