The Affluent Society Revisited

Students of economic history will find this a particularly useful volume as it is written in an exceptionally readable manner.This volume makes an important contribution to the literature on the economic history of advanced capitalism and its effects on the distribution of wealth within Western democracies. I have no hesitation in recommending this text to anyone, whether or not they are familiar with economics, with an interest in recent economic history and/or in the effects of changing economic policies on the structure of societies. Furthermore, anyone seeking an overview of the causes and consequences of the GFC will find The Affluent Society Revisited a useful reference. * Jenny Chesters, Economic Record *
Mike Berrys retrospective on JKGs most famous book and its challenging propositions should be warmly welcomed. For people familiar with the original work, it combines a brisk walk down memory lane with a thought-provoking stroll back to the present. For newcomers to the field, it is a fine illustration of how political economy must engage with social concerns and matters of power and ethics. * Frank Stilwell, Journal of Australian Political Economy *
This is a stimulating book, and not just because it leads us back to Galbraith's orginial work. Berry, like Galbraith, reminds us that orthodox economics does not 'adequately explain the human condition' and so makes a less than reliable guide for public policy. * Peter Mares, Australian Book Review *
Galbraith wrote provocative works in an easy-to-read style. They werent radical but they were controversial poking at conventional wisdom, a phrase he coined.Berry follows in his footsteps. * Anitra Nelson, Overland Literary Journal Online *
In a short concluding chapter Berry focuses on the positive legacies of AS and of Galbraiths work more generally. Scorned or ignored by most of his professional peers, his critique of the failures of orthodox economics still has great resonance, even more perhaps in the light of the lamentable failures of analysis and policy prescription that the most recent economic crisis has revealed. His attempt to delineate actually existing capitalism rather than an idealized model of the real world and many aspects of what he discovered about it have abiding significance * Michael Harloe, International Journal, Housing, Theory & Society *
Berry has written an accessible book for students of economics and the social sciences as well as for general readers interested in contemporary affairs and public policy ... Highly recommended. * CHOICE *