A Grand Pursuit: A History Of Economic Genius (2000) - Plot & Excerpts
I really enjoyed the story - told in a way that leaves room for error on all sides. But I like it most for introducing me to Amartya Sen, whose work I must now seek out.Several reviewers felt let down by Nasar's treatment being too broad, or not supplying new answers. And I think that is the point of Nasar's work - the pursuit of the grand remains a pursuit. Human motivations are far more complex than what will lend themselves to economists, planners, bureaucrats, and politicians meddling in determining some grand desired outcome. I may have to buy a hard copy just to go back and highlight some of the "warts and all" that come to the surface for some truly remarkable people. I very much enjoyed this book. I was introduced to many individuals across the years that attempted to understand poverty and how to ameliorate it. I enjoyed the detailed histories of many individuals unknown to me: e.g., Alfred Marshal, Beatrice (Potter) Webb, Irving Fisher, and Joseph Schumpeter, to name a few. As I am not versed in economic theories, the book was a worthy introduction to the field. It whetted my appetite to find out more about these thinkers.
What do You think about A Grand Pursuit: A History Of Economic Genius (2000)?
I never actually read entire book--there's a reason Economics is called the dismal science.
—Lucastg
Good history of the progress of economic thought during the past few centuries.
—demetria
Great work by Sylvia Nasar. I strongly recommend this book. It is a must read.
—falandra
Some interesting material, but makes for a dull read.
—arperk
