Overview

For most economists, 'Austrian economics' refers to a distinct school of thought, originating with Mises and Hayek and characterised by a strong commitment to free-market liberalism. This innovative book explores an alternative Austrian tradition in economics. Socialist in spirit but too diffuse to be described as a single school of thought, it shares a common conviction that the market, while possibly a good servant, is a very poor master. Demonstrating how the debate on the economics of socialism began in Austria long before the 1930s, this unique book analyses the work and impact of many leading Austrian economists. Beginning with the Austro-Marxist theorists Otto Bauer and Rudolf Hilferding and moving through to the new generation of social democratic economists, most prominently Kurt Rothschild and Josef Steindl, The Alternative Austrian Economics provides insight into the history and evolution of socialist economics in Austria. Offering a previously underrepresented discussion of a century of Austrian socialist economics, this engaging book will prove to be of great value to Marxian and heterodox economists, historians of economic thought and political scientists interested in political economy.

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9781800889514

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Reviews

'Economists associate the Austrian school with the free market classical liberal ideas of Ludwig von Mises and Friedrich Hayek, Professor King describes the ideas of another group of Austrian economists: Marxists who were active in Vienna in the early twentieth century, and later Austro-Marxists who built on their work. King's book is a delightful description of this intellectual community, and explains how their work was designed to be an extension and updating of Marx's ideas.' -- Randall G. Holcombe, Florida State University, US

'Economists associate the Austrian school with the free market classical liberal ideas of Ludwig von Mises and Friedrich Hayek, Professor King describes the ideas of another group of Austrian economists: Marxists who were active in Vienna in the early twentieth century, and later Austro-Marxists who built on their work. King's book is a delightful description of this intellectual community, and explains how their work was designed to be an extension and updating of Marx's ideas.' --Randall G. Holcombe, Florida State University, US

Author Information

John E. King, Emeritus Professor of Economics, La Trobe University, Australia

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