Published
Nov 26, 2024Page count
288 pagesISBN
978-1529225501Dimensions
216 x 140 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Nov 26, 2024Page count
288 pagesISBN
978-1529225518Dimensions
216 x 138 mmImprint
Bristol University Press
Ricardo’s Dream
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 façade, 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.
“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
Nat Dyer is a writer, researcher and campaigner specialising in global political economy and economic justice. He is a Fellow of the Schumacher Institute and the Royal Society of Arts. He previously worked for anti-corruption organisation Global Witness and as Programme Director for Promoting Economic Pluralism. His stories have been reported on by the BBC, the New York Times, and Bloomberg among others. Find out more at www.natdyer.com.
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. Another Fall?
Conclusion: Look at the World
