Review by Choice Review
Friedrich Hayek was one of the most important figures in the history of economic thought, known mainly for his opposition to socialism and government intervention in the market economy. This volume contains 14 essays written by distinguished scholars from the fields of economics, philosophy, and political science. Essays examine Hayek's libertarian position, his relationship to key 20th-century figures, his views on law and justice, and the philosophical and psychological underpinnings of his work. Some authors are sympathetic to Hayek; others are respectful but critical. The lead article, a biographical piece by Bruce Caldwell, provides a nice introduction to Hayek's life and some of the main influences on his thinking. It also provides a good synopsis of the early parts of Caldwell's excellent book, Hayek's Challenge (CH, Jun'04, 41-6018). Articles by Roger Backhouse (on the business cycle theory of Hayek), Robert Skidelsky (on Keynes and Hayek), and Anthony O'Hear (on Popper and Hayek) are also first-rate. Overall, the volume provides a clear, balanced introduction to Hayek's life and thought. Part of a series examining the ideas of the great philosophers, this volume also should be of great interest to students and faculty in economics and other social sciences. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Academic collections, lower-division undergraduate and up. S. Pressman Monmouth University (NJ)
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
