Milton Friedman: A Biography - by Lanny Ebenstein (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The first biography of one of the twentieth century's greatest economic thinkers, Milton Friedman.

Born the son of immigrant parents, Milton Friedman went on to become a major figure during the resurgence of American conservatism. As an advisor to the Reagan administration and a widely read columnist, he played a vital role in shaping government policy and public opinion while he made headlines for his controversial views.

Drawing on author Lanny Ebenstein's unprecedented access to personal archives and to Friedman himself, this is the first book to trace his life and development as an economic theorist. With a combination of intimate personal detail and fascinating exploration of economic theory, Milton Friedman: A Biography provides a revealing look at the man regarded by many as a hero of libertarianism and laissez-faire economics.

Review Quotes

"Milton Friedman is more than just one person's story - it demonstrates how ideas can blossom in one man's mind and eventually infuse the entire body politic ... Lanny Ebenstein's biography reminds us just how much we owe to this exuberant champion of liberty." --Washington Times

"A worthy homage to Friedman's ideas." --The Financial Times

"[A] rounded, readable portrait of a man whose impact on the lives of millions in the 20th century is measured not by his opponents and enemies, but by the individuals he converted." --The Chicago Sun-Times

"Quite handy. It marshals lots of material, and to devotees the bibliographical essay at the end may be worth the cover price in itself." --The Economist

"This biography doesn't skimp on the details of Friedman's life. Well written, thoroughly researched, and easy to read, it successfully explains how Friedman's ideas continue to resonate." --Library Journal

"A surprisingly readable, succinct portrait of the combative economist." --Bloomberg News

"Ebenstein covers a lot of material with an engaging, lively style." --Democracy Journal

"Through lengthy interviews with Friedman and his wife, Rose, a picture of him as family man, Nobel Prize winner, and advisor to multiple presidents emerges. Ebenstein's attention to detail and copious quotes from others who knew Friedman well make for an engaging picture of one of America's most important economic theorists." --Booklist

"The man we see is one with great intellectual integrity and a tremendous passion for the betterment of humanity." --Laissez Faire Books

"There are plenty of amusing and insightful anecdotes from Friedman's time in Chicago ... Ebenstein has successfully produced a book that provides a very readable summation of Friedman's career and his ideas." --IPA Review

"A remarkable 2005 interview of Friedman ... is included as an appendix; this glimpse into the still lively mind of the nonagenarian economist is alone worth the price of the book." --Foreign Affairs

"An absorbing book about the life, battles, and some of the ideas of a great economist. Definitely worth reading to help understand the development of an extraordinary individual." --Gary S. Becker, Nobel Laureate in Economics

"Lanny Ebenstein gives us a careful and illuminating exposition of the life and ideas of Milton Friedman. A genuinely rewarding read." --George P. Shultz, Thomas W. and Susan B. Ford Distinguished Fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University

"A powerful book about the most influential economist since Adam Smith." --Martin Anderson, former domestic and economic policy advisor to President Reagan

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