Finally getting back to writing these semi-regularly, life events (work, study, getting married etc) have meant I was previously too busy.
Books are rated on a scale of: Excellent, Great, Good, Fine, Bad.
As Gods Among Men: A History of the Rich in the West - Guido Alfani - Great
A wonderful work detailing how ‘the rich’ have been understood in the West across centuries, focusing on their various roles, and backgrounds over the time. Important insights on how justifications for ‘the rich’ have become less convincing in the era of the modern welfare state. My one caveat would be that the book is rather long, although an enjoyable read.
Economics for the Common Good - Jean Tirole - Good
A good overview of the discipline from a leading economist. The first sections of the book are particularly useful if you want to understand why economists think the way they do. I personally found them a little same-y as I’d read these arguments many times before. If that is the case for you, focus on the latter sections which include more specific policy recommendations.
Development As Freedom - Amartya Sen - Excellent
Sen’s works are always great and this was well worth a re-read. If you haven’t read any Sen before, this is a great place to start, both being written for a popular audience and providing a broad overview of his work, covering his philosophical approach, as well as his contributions to development economics, particularly famines.
Why Australia Prospered: The Shifting Sources of Economic Growth - Ian W McLean - Great
Engaging analysis on Australia’s growth history, arguing that our source of growth has changed markedly over time. It’s a long and sometimes dry read but worth the effort. Also includes some discussion on the economic policy debates over the period, which are worth reflecting on. One aspect I would’ve preferred more analysis on was the post WW2 trajectory, although this may be personal preference, I don’t find the 19th century sections as interesting.
Alan Partridge: Big Beacon - Steve Coogan - Great
Coogan’s fictional persona Alan Partridge has always been a favourite of mine, and this work didn’t disappoint, although not quite as good as I, Partidge or Nomad. The construction worker’s strike, and Partridge’s reaction to it are particularly good.
Limitarianism - Ingrid Robeyns - Good
Useful framework outlining her theory of ‘Limitarianism’, that we as a society should structure the economy to prevent extreme wealth. The book is engaging and thought provoking, particularly in the earlier sections, which discuss how the reasonable ‘max wealth’ is likely to be lower in countries with strong welfare states, as wealth for many people exists effectively as insurance, whether it is for education, retirement, or illness. I do think more could’ve been dedicated to actual policy, as I found and excessive amount described why Limitarianism is also good for rich people.
