Why people recommend it
Red Plenty by Francis Spufford is a critically acclaimed narrative non-fiction book that explores the Soviet economic experiment and the ambitious attempt to use cybernetics and planning to surpass Western capitalism during the Khrushchev era. Brad DeLong discussed the book during an episode of Conversations with Tyler titled Brad DeLong on Intellectual and Technical Progress, published on February 22, 2023. While pondering how narratives in novels and movies often overemphasize intentional human action while ignoring the broader decentralized workings of complex systems, Brad DeLong enthusiastically recommended Francis Spufford's work. He described the publication as a wonderful novel that brilliantly engages with serious economic concepts, making complex historical and theoretical issues accessible and compelling through narrative art. By praising the book during the podcast discussion, Brad DeLong reinforced its reputation among economists and intellectuals as a uniquely illuminating text that bridges the gap between creative storytelling and the rigorous analysis of economic history, planning, and institutional design in the twentieth century.
Who recommended it
- Brad DeLong Recommended
Brad DeLong — 1 mention
“that in novels and movies there's too much intent and not enough invisible hand oh I would actually say red plenty I would say red plenty by Francis buffard is a wonderful novel about economics”