Accessible history, putting everything in its place.
5 stars
I often say that my favorite books are ones which provide a new way of thinking about things. An insightful explanation or an inspiring model, perhaps. This volume doesn't quite get there, but it is very very close. It's clean and tight and does exactly what it says on the tin. While my favorite pieces of non-fiction are lenses which bring things I've always been able to see into clearer focus, this is more like a well-tuned bell which rings true and clear.
We are treated to a roundup of pre-neoliberal philosophy, the development of neoliberal thought, its ascent into US politics, rise to major bipartisan force, and then stumbling in the 21st century. There's nothing to criticize here. We engage effectively with other schools of thought and other global regimes like Soviet communism and European social democracy. Neoliberalism is positioned relative to these other forces and philosophies. It's described …
I often say that my favorite books are ones which provide a new way of thinking about things. An insightful explanation or an inspiring model, perhaps. This volume doesn't quite get there, but it is very very close. It's clean and tight and does exactly what it says on the tin. While my favorite pieces of non-fiction are lenses which bring things I've always been able to see into clearer focus, this is more like a well-tuned bell which rings true and clear.
We are treated to a roundup of pre-neoliberal philosophy, the development of neoliberal thought, its ascent into US politics, rise to major bipartisan force, and then stumbling in the 21st century. There's nothing to criticize here. We engage effectively with other schools of thought and other global regimes like Soviet communism and European social democracy. Neoliberalism is positioned relative to these other forces and philosophies. It's described in terms of its causes & effects, and I think I came away with a clear picture.
Great work. Going right back on the end of the reading list. I recommend this book to you, and to future me.