Name-Dropping: From F.D.R. on

by John Kenneth Galbraith

Book Overview

Names? You want names? No one knows better ones than John Kenneth Galbraith" (San Diego Union-Tribune). With the dazzling insight, humor, and literary skill that mark Galbraith as one of the most distinguished writers of our time, Name-Dropping charts the political landscape of the past sixty-five years. Drawing on a lifetime of access to many great public figures, the famous economist offers a clear-eyed, unsparing, and amusing "look at prominent...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0618154531
• ISBN13: 9780618154531
• Release Date: October 2001
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
• Length: 194 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Lively anecdotes by a legendary figure

This work delivers brief glimpses of a rich, remarkable life with the author's infallible grace, insight, and humor. Episodic, first-hand observations are recounted of FDR; Eleanor Roosevelt; Albert Speer; Truman; Adlai Stevenson; JFK; Jackie Kennedy; Nehru; LBJ; Chester Bowles, George Ball, and Averell Harriman; as well as insights on the problematic policy inertia that burdens most bureaucracies (and public servants). My only regret on reading this in 1999 was that it lacked an index and (given the quality) was far too brief. Some consolation was rendered by familiarity with the author's `A Life in Our Times: Memoirs' (Houghton Mifflin 1981). Both works are highly recommended. George W. Ball Jr's `The Past Has Another Pattern: Memoirs' (Norton 1982), written by Galbraith's close friend, is also highly recommended.

Names Dropped but you won't put this book down

For all of you who think economists lead dull lives, this is the book to read. John Kenneth Galbraith was a glamourous figure in the Camelot years; he was a Canadian scholar who became an FDR devotee and moved into the inner circles of US leadership. This portrayal of the human side of world power is infused with Galbraith's wit and ability to observe the whole person, from Eleanor Roosevelt to Albert Speer to Jawaharlal Nehru. His portrait of Jacqueline Kennedy and her role at the White House is delicious. Whenever I hear the names of one of these individuals, it is Galbraith's portrait that will come to mind. And when I hear other economists speak in neutral tones, I will remember that Galbraith was not afraid to be a partisan, to champion a vision of how the world should be. This is a book I would give our new president to read on the airplane.

Great Read by Academic "Economist". Last Great Socialist.

John Kenneth Galbraith was at one time a hero of mine. Read more than 10 of his books over the years. Bought this book and read it having been a hero of mine. I urge for all people to read to this book for the sole reason to show how out of touch, "ivory tower" tenured intellectuals has misguided us. The 20th is ending and the era of "ivory tower egghead" is coming ot a close. The preeminent egghead is Professor Galbraith and this books is a clarion call of a out of touch egghead socialist. Buy it for records.As a former student of economics and history, only when one leaves the university does one realize none of these people have ever had a "real" job so much as working McDonald. Tenure has given them lifelong employment-what in China is called the "iron rice bowl". Professor Galbraith has written over 30 books. However, has this man ever open a business, work at a private company, try to make a product or services that the people want and need. Academica and Government are havens for those who want job security, lifetime employment and insulation from the marketplace and the "customer". Professor is the ultimate egghead socialist and dreams up fantasies where everyone lives "fulfiling life" with jobs, health care, and education. The Soviet Union and China failed miserably building stagnant socialist economies and the whole world is moving from a planned economy to a market economy. This books by Professor Galbraith is a testament to "ivory tower egghead" who refuse to confront reality. Never mind the "egghead" refuses to get a real job where they have to actually work for a living. I recommend all to buy this book. Agree or Disagree. This book is a final testament of the greatest "egghead" of them all and how the world is moving to markets and totally bypasses them and yet they continue to champion socialism and collectivism: ideas that are going the way of the dinosour.

A Good Dose of Intellectual Humor

Name Dropping is a great high-level recap of Galbreath's insider experience as an influential 20th century statesmen. Like a grandfather recounting the salient parts of our recent American history and his career, its everything that you would not expect from an agricultural economist -- entertaining, witty, and easy to read. Highly recommended for train rides, short flights, or rainy days.

Buy This Book!

What a great read this is. Galbraith brings out a personal side of people we could only imagine exists. Of course, he reveals the same of himself. (Ever see a picture of him smiling?) The book reads quickly. In fact, my only complaint about the book is that I got so relaxed while reading it that I fell asleep too easily. (I read late at night). I'm sure, as I did, you'll be envious of Galbraith's acquaintances with the "characaters" of this book. Buy it!