This book examines the academic life of Alvin Hansen and his contribution to modern economics. Through tracing the development of his early work and pre-Keynesian ideas, the influence of Keynes and the 1937-8 recession on the direction of his work is explored, particularly in relation to his theoretical backing of the New Deal and subsequent American policy. The subsequent chapters focus on his later work on secular stagnation, savings and investment, American Keynesianism, managing the post-war mixed economy and the often overlooked contributions to global questions and wider aspects of political economy and public policy. This book aims to highlight the intellectual influence and academic value of Alvin Hansen’s work. It will be relevant to students and researchers interested in economic policy, political economy, and the history of economic thought.

Harvard University has been and continues to be one of the most important global centres for economics. With three chapters on themes in Harvard economics and 41 chapters on the lives and work of Harvard economists, these two volumes show how economics became established at the University, how it produced some of the world’s best-known economists, including Joseph Schumpeter, Wassily Leontief and John Kenneth Galbraith, and how it remains a global force for the very best in teaching and research in economics. With original contributions from a stellar cast, the volumes provide economists – especially those interested in macroeconomics and the history of economic thought – with an in-depth analysis of Harvard economics. Robert A. Cord holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge, and his areas of interest include the history of economic thought and, within this, the history of macroeconomics. His publications include Reinterpreting the Keynesian Revolution (2012), Milton Friedman: Contributions to Economics and Public Policy (co-editor; 2016) and The Palgrave Companion to Chicago Economics (editor; 2022).