The Structure of Post-Keynesian Economics The Core Contributions of the Pioneers

This is a major contribution to post-Keynesian thought. With studies of the key pioneers - Keynes himself, Kalecki, Kahn, Goodwin, Kaldor, Joan Robinson, Sraffa and Pasinetti - G. C. Harcourt emphasizes their positive contributions to theories of distribution, pricing, accumulation, endogenous money and growth. The propositions of earlier chapters are brought together in an integrated narrative and interpretation of the major episodes in advanced capitalist economics in the post-war period, leading to a discussion of the relevance of post-Keynesian ideas to both our understanding of economics and to policy-making. The appendices include biographical sketches of the pioneers and analysis of the conceptual core of their discontent with orthodox theories. Drawing on the author's experience of teaching and researching over fifty years, this book will appeal to undergraduate and graduate students interested in alternative approaches to theoretical, applied and policy issues in economics, as well as to teachers and researchers in economics.

Preface; 1. Introduction: why post-Keynesian economics and who were its Cambridge pioneers?; 2. Post-Keynesian macroeconomic theories of distribution; 3. Post-Keynesian theories of the determination of the mark-up; 4. Macroeconomic theories of accumulation; 5. Money and finance: exogenous or endogenous?; 6. The complete model: its role in an explanation of post-war inflationary episodes; 7. Theories of growth: from Adam Smith to 'modern' endogenous growth theory; 8. Applications to policy; Appendices; Index.

This is a major contribution to post-Keynesian thought. With studies of the key pioneers, Geoff Harcourt emphasizes their positive contributions to theories of distribution, pricing, accumulation, endogenous money and growth. The volume will appeal to students and researchers interested in alternative approaches to theoretical, applied and policy issues in economics.

G. C. Harcourt is Emeritus Reader in the History of Economic Theory, University of Cambridge, Emeritus Fellow of Jesus College, Cambridge and Professor Emeritus of the University of Adelaide.