The Essential Hirschman

Albert Hirschman was one of the greatest thinkers of the Twentieth Century. His writings helped inspire movements, governments, and individual citizens. He wrote on such topics as economic progress in Latin America, and the fall of Communism. While some of his writings still feel like they are Cold War specific, many of his ideas, and arguments, will still resonate with readers today. When he talks about free trade, globalization, and environmental concerns, it feels like he is still around today, and not writing about it many years ago.

This collection brings together the more well-known, and less technical essays, that Mr. Hirschman wrote. While it is not exhaustive (he wrote many more), it is his greatest hits, ranging from examining free trade agreements, to democracy and the rise of citizenship in dictatorships. There is something here for everyone. Jeremy Adelman does an excellent job of placing each essay in its context, and where it was originally published. These essays are insightful, powerful, and should be read by people who care about the future of this planet. At times Mr. Hirschman makes the argument for a radical change; well now is the time for that change.