Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative

by Jennifer Burns
Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 1196
  • Added: 2025-09-28
  • Updated: 2025-10-01
  • ISBN: 9780374601157
  • Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
  • Published: 2023-11-14
  • Formats: 30
  • Reviews: 3

Milton Friedman, alongside John Maynard Keynes, was one of the most influential economists of the twentieth century. His work significantly impacted the shift toward free markets in the 1980s and his defenses of capitalism resonated globally. This first full biography, by historian Jennifer Burns, delves into Friedman's groundbreaking contributions, from the importance of the money supply to the limits of government planning. It also explores his collaborations with key figures and his role in shaping modern American conservatism. Burns provides a nuanced look at Friedman's life, using archival sources to offer a comprehensive understanding of his intellectual legacy. The book covers his collaborations with women economists, his relationships with powerful figures, and his direct influence on policymaking at the highest levels. It's a revelatory biography that sheds light on America's first neoliberal and perhaps its last great conservative.

Reviews
Cato Institute · DR Henderson · 2024-01-01
impressive 4.50

They provide a detailed exploration of Friedman's influences and his significant impact on the economics profession and the broader world. The biography is comprehensive and insightful.

The reviewer highlights how the book delves deeply into the important influences in Milton Friedman's life and his extensive impact on the field of economics and society at large. They appreciate the thoroughness and detail provided by Jennifer Burns, which offers a nuanced understanding of Friedman's contributions. The reviewer finds the book to be a valuable addition to the literature on one of the most influential economists of the 20th century, emphasizing its readability and the depth of research.

Quick quotes

    Burns also shows in great detail the important influences in his life and, later, the many ways he has influenced the economics profession and the bigger world.

    The book is the product of Burns's efforts to come to know and understand Milton Friedman and his role in twentieth-century history.

    It is a most impressive work.

The New York Times · 2023-11-19
thought-provoking 4.00

They aim to bring fresh complexity to the understanding of Friedman's views and his evolution as an economist. The book is seen as a significant contribution to the discourse on Friedman's legacy.

The reviewer appreciates Jennifer Burns's effort to add layers of complexity to the understanding of Milton Friedman's views and his evolution over time. They see the book as a significant contribution to the ongoing discussion about Friedman's legacy, highlighting its ability to bring new perspectives to the table. The reviewer finds the book to be thought-provoking and well-researched, offering a fresh look at one of the most renowned economists of the 20th century.

Quick quotes

    The new book by Jennifer Burns aims to bring fresh complexity to our understanding of the Nobel Prize-winning economist.

    Burns shows, however, that Friedman's views on various issues evolved over time and that his libertarian outlook sometimes put him at odds with traditional conservatives.

    Friedman was more than an economist; he offered a philosophy of freedom that made a tremendous impact in a liberty-loving country.

Stephen Kirchner's Substack · Stephen Kirchner · 2023-01-01
accessible 4.20

They find the book to be a very accessible introduction to Friedman's life and work, suitable for both academics and general readers.

Stephen Kirchner appreciates the book's accessibility, making it a suitable introduction to Milton Friedman's life and work for a wide audience. They find the book to be well-written and engaging, providing a comprehensive overview of Friedman's contributions and his impact on the field of economics. Kirchner highlights the book's readability and its ability to appeal to both academics and general readers, making it a valuable resource for understanding one of the most influential economists of the 20th century.

Quick quotes

    Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative is a very accessible introduction to the life and work of one of the 20th century's most influential economists.

    Burns' book gives an excellent and readable account of Friedman's life, contributions, and times. It's readable, sympathetic, and fair.

    It's readable, sympathetic, and fair.

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