logo

52 pages 1 hour read

Robert Heilbroner

The Worldly Philosophers

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1953

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Worldly Philosophers by Robert Heilbroner explores the history of western economic thought through the lives and ideas of major economists like Adam Smith, Karl Marx, and John Maynard Keynes, who sought to understand how capitalist society functions. Heilbroner examines their personal histories, socio-political contexts, and significant contributions, highlighting their quest to decipher the market system's complexities and potential future. The book includes discussions on societal hardships and economic disparities.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Heilbroner’s The Worldly Philosophers is praised for its accessible and engaging exploration of economic thought and the lives of influential economists. Critics commend its historical breadth and clarity but note that some may find the analysis lacking in contemporary economic intricacies. Overall, it serves as an excellent introductory text.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Worldly Philosophers?

Readers who enjoy The Worldly Philosophers by Robert Heilbroner are typically fascinated by economic history and influential economists. They may also appreciate books like Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty and The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith, which similarly explore economic ideas and their impact on society.

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

Global • Various eras

Publication Year

1953

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.