The big three in economics : Adam Smith, Karl Marx, and John Maynard Keynes / Mark Skousen.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Adam Smith declares an economic revolution in 1776 -- From Smith to Marx: the rise and fall of classical economics -- Karl Marx leads a revolt against capitalism -- From Marx to Keynes: scientific economics comes of age -- John Maynard Keynes: capitalism faces its greatest challenge -- Conclusion: has Adam Smith triumphed over Marx and Keynes?.

"History comes alive in this story of opposing views that continue to play a fundamental role in today's political and economic climate. The Big Three tells the story of modern economics through the eyes of the three most influential economists in world history: Adam Smith, who, in the 18th century, expounded a revolutionary new doctrine that a nation of rich and poor could flourish under laissez faire and an unfettered market; Karl Marx, the German philosopher who, in the 19th century, inspired disenfranchised workers and intellectuals by seeking radical solutions to the exploitation of the underprivileged; and John Maynard Keynes, the British economist who sought to stabilize a crisis-prone market system through activist fiscal and monetary government policies in the 20th century." "Based on the latest "tell-all" biographies and historical data, the lives and ideas of these three thinkers are revealed in the context of a plot that has many unexpected twists and turns."--BOOK JACKET.

Machine converted from AACR2 source record.