Some error occured while loading the Quick View. Please close the Quick View and try reloading the page.
From the workings of financial markets to our response to the ecological crisis, economic theory shapes the world. But where do these ideas come from?
Ricardo’s Dream tells the fascinating story of David Ricardo, Adam Smith’s only real rival as the ‘founder of economics’. The wealthiest stock trader of his day, Ricardo introduced the study of abstract models to economics. He also developed the theory of trade that underpinned globalization and hides, behind its mathematical facade, a history of power, empire, and slavery.
Brimming with fresh ideas and stories, Ricardo’s Dream shows how too many economists, from Ricardo’s day to our own, have turned away from observing the real world and led us astray.
“Systematically examines and excavates the flimsy foundations of today's economic orthodoxy. ....essential reading for the curious and a vital antidote for all students of economics." Ann Pettifor, Policy Research in Macroeconomics
“A fascinating investigation into the development of economic thought from David Ricardo’s era to the present day – and its impact on real lives and livelihoods. Wide-ranging and carefully researched, this book shows the temptations and dangers of assuming away too much of reality in the pursuit of elegant economic models. A heartfelt and reasoned call for a more human economics.” Erica Thompson, author of Escape from Model Land
“Brilliant and erudite... This pioneering deep dive into Ricardo’s intellectual and social universe is a revelation for those interested in history, economics, science and their rich interaction at the dawn of the modern world.” Jacob Soll, University of Southern California, author of Free Market: The History of an Idea
Introduction: "As Certain as the Principle of Gravitation"
Part 1: Birth
1. The Other Founding Father of Economics
2. "The Unshakeable Basis for International Trade"
3. Unequal Treaty
4. Black Gold
5. Newton's Mint
6. The Empire of Free Trade
Part 2: Death
7. "Dropped from Another Planet"
8. "Purely Hypothetical Truths"
9. The Fall
Part 3: Rebirth
10. The Return of Unreality
11. Big Finance
12. Trading Barbarians
13. Life: An Externality
14. New Hope
Conclusion: Look at the World