«This thoroughly researched, comprehensive, and critical account of the economic philosophies that have reigned for the past half century powerfully indicts them.»

Publisher Weekly (starred)

«A marvel of popular historical writing.»

New York Times

«A highly readable, exhilaratingly detailed biographical account.»

Sunday Telegraph

«That such sophisticated people presided over a dangerous build-up in financial risk suggests that something larger was at work than a naïve faith in markets. Appelbaum’s strength is that he generally acknowledges these complexities.»

Atlantic

"An entertaining and well-written look at how market-oriented ideas rose from the academy and transformed nations.

Tyler Cowen

«Binyamin Appelbaum has written a powerful must-read for all those interested in reinvigorating the credibility of economics, especially in policymaking circles.»

Mohamed A. El-Erian

«Writing in accessible language of thorny fiscal matters, the author ventures into oddly fascinating corners of recent economic history . . . Anyone who wonders why government officials still take the Laffer curve seriously need go no further than this lucid book.»

Kirkus

«A well-reported and researched history of the ways in which plucky economists helped rewrite policy in America and Europe and across emerging markets.»

Economist