Strathern is best known for his 39 short biographies of philosophers and scientists. This book is condensed one further level. For example, one chapter is an abridged version of his Marx in 90 Minutes. When the author does not synopsize his own texts, he closely follows the work of John Kenneth Galbraith and John Maynard Keynes. (With more honesty than is usual in popular histories, Strathern admits he has not cited his sources, and even direct quotes are attributed only "where appropriate.") This book is shorter and more fun to read than Galbraith or Keynes, while still teaching basic economic principles (although it does demonstrate the author's famous ability to garble any example with numbers in it). He makes even dull economists lively, and he gives perspective by first anchoring the ideas firmly in the subject's time, then showing how they have played out since. Covering ideas root and branch, plus social status, parental relationships, careers, psychology, politics, ambitions, friends, enemies, scandals, appearance, obsessions and mistresses (all the subjects are male) in a few pages each is an impressive achievement. Pulling it off with this much style and apparent ease is stunning. The book is best suited for people already familiar with basic textbook economics, who wish to deepen their understanding through considering the men and history behind the writings. Illus. (May)
Forecast:A talented and experienced author, a subject of great popular interest, trade and consumer advertising and an impressive publicity campaign should add up to strong sales.
