 Two Books for the Price of One: Review Article of The Rise and Fall of American Growth by Robert J. GordonInternational Productivity Monitor, 2016, vol. 31, 57-62 Abstract: Robert Gordon has written a remarkable book; actually two "books," one about the past and one about the future. The first "book" is an account of the dramatic changes in American living standards since 1870. Looking forward, the second "book" makes the case that the miracles that powered the economy upward in the century to 1970 cannot be repeated and that the rate of economic growth has stepped down. Moreover, given headwinds facing the economy, Gordon argues that the typical American family will see only sluggish improvements in living standards. The first "book" is truly extraordinary in its coverage and creativity - it is insightful, compelling, and highly entertaining (and would be for noneconomists as well as economists). The second "book" - not so much. It is more speculative and controversial. While Gordon's more pessimistic narrative has gained significant traction, I argue that there is plenty of room for optimism. Keywords: Productivity; Productivity Growth; Economic Growth; Living Standards; Review (search for similar items in EconPapers) Downloads: (external link) Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sls:ipmsls:v:31:y:2016:4 Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from Access Statistics for this article International Productivity Monitor is currently edited by Andrew Sharpe, Executive Director More articles in International Productivity Monitor from Centre for the Study of Living Standards 170 Laurier Ave. W, Suite 604, Ottawa, ON K1P 5V5. Contact information at EDIRC. |
Is your work missing from RePEc? Here is how to contribute.
Questions or problems? Check the EconPapers FAQ or send mail to .
EconPapers is hosted by the
School of Business at Örebro University.