Robert Skidelsky - Keynes (Penguin Books)

Robert Skidelsky's "Keynes: The Return of the Master" shows how the great economist's ideas not only explain why the current financial crisis occurred - but are our best way out. "One would expect brokers to be wrong.

If, in addition to their other inside advantages, they were capable of good advice, clearly they would have retired long ago with a large fortune". (John Maynard Keynes). When unbridled capitalism falters, is there an alternative? The twentieth century's most influential economist tells us that there is.

John Maynard Keynes argued that an unmanaged market system is inherently unstable because of irreduceable uncertainty; that fiscal and monetary ammunition is needed to counter economic shocks; and that governments need to maintain enough total spending power in the economy to minimize the chance of serious recessions happening.

"The great economist's theories have never been more relevant...and Robert Skidelsky is the guide of choice...A must read". (Paul Krugman, "Observer"). "Keynes's economic policies helped lift Britain from its 1930s slump.

This accessible, timely study argues he could do the same again". (Dominic Lawson, "Sunday Times"). "Masterly...conveys complex ideas with clarity and controlled anger".(Oliver Kamm, "The Times").

"Skidelsky knows more about Keynes than anyone alive...he is righteous in his thunder...provocative...refreshing". (Dwight Gardner, "The New York Times"). "Thought-provoking...the best account I have read of the development of the credit crunch".

(Samuel Brittan, "Financial Times"). Robert Skidelsky is Emeritus Professor of Political Economy at the University of Warwick. His three volume biography of the economist John Maynard Keynes (1983, 1992, 2000) received numerous prizes, including the Lionel Gelber Prize for International Relations and the Council on Foreign Relations Prize for International Relations.

He is also the author of the "The World After Communism" (1995).