Author Description

"Reaganomics" was the most ambitious attempt to change the course of American economic policy of any administration since the New Deal. In this lively, well-informed account, William Niskanen describes in fascinating detail the formulaton of the Reagan economic program, the internal debates, the effects of this program on the economy, and the probable future of Reaganomics. A distinguished economist who served on the Council of Economic Advisers from 1981 to 1985, for nine months as acting chairman, Niskanen was at the forefront of the Reagan economic program--as a supporter and internal critic, as a participant in and witness to many of the critical decisions that shaped this program.Niskanen offers a wide-ranging survey that covers every aspect of Reagan's economic program, reflecting both the successes and failures of policies affecting the budget, taxes, regulation, trade, and monetary policy. Never abstract, he grounds each issue in specific events--such as the Administration's response to the PATCO strike, the failure of Continental Illinois, and the debate over the auto and steel import quotas--and he provides vivid portraits of the personalities involved. Although a supporter of Reaganomics, Niskanen does not flinch from condemning the blunders made by the Administration in implementing Reagan's economic agenda. He apportions praise and blame among the prominent people he worked with--sometimes with devastating effect.Not everyone will agree with Niskanen's appraisal, but the first-hand account he provides of the Reagan Administration--the politics and personalities, the victories and defeats--will fascinate anyone interested in politics American-style or in the future of the economy.