Author
John Maynard Keynes
1883-1946
John Maynard Keynes (1883-1946) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by John Maynard Keynes
The Economic Consequences of the Peace
"The Economic Consequences of the Peace" by John Maynard Keynes is a critical economic and political analysis written in the early 20th century. The work focuses on the implications of the Treaty of Versailles and the overall peace settlement following World War I. It examines the economic landscape of Europe post-war and discusses the potential negative outcomes of the treaty on European economies, particularly that of Germany, asserting that the terms may lead to widespread suffering and instability. The opening of the text introduces Keynes's perspective as someone who was closely involved with the Paris Peace Conference, emphasizing the precarious economic situation present in post-war Europe. He notes humanity's tendency to become accustomed to an unstable economic environment and critiques the Allied powers, particularly France and Britain, for potentially exacerbating an already volatile situation through harsh peace terms. Specifically, he emphasizes that the economic decisions made during the peace negotiations could lead to further ruin rather than restoration, igniting a sense of urgency regarding the future stability of Europe.
A Tract on Monetary Reform
"A Tract on Monetary Reform" by John Maynard Keynes is a book published in 1923. Writing during post-World War I monetary instability, Keynes argues that countries should prioritize domestic price stability over fixed exchange rates. He critiques the gold standard as a "barbarous relic" and proposes managed monetary policy using interest rates and banking reserves. Rather than freely floating currencies, he advocates for a "crawling peg" system where exchange rates adjust gradually—a middle path between rigid and floating regimes.
Indian Currency and Finance
"Indian Currency and Finance" by John Maynard Keynes is a detailed economic analysis and examination of the currency system in India, written in the early 20th century. The book focuses on the historical context, evolution, and implications of India's transition from a silver-based currency system to a more complex gold-exchange standard. It delves into the characteristics of the Indian rupee, government policies, and the intricacies of the banking and currency mechanisms that operate within the Indian economy. The opening of the work presents a broad historical overview of India's currency system, detailing how the country's currency was primarily based on silver until the pivotal changes made in the 1890s. Keynes notes the challenges posed by fluctuating silver values and explains the rationale behind the shift to a gold standard initiated in 1893, emphasizing the administrative decisions that led to the current system. He outlines various critiques of currency policies from the past and prepares the reader for a deeper exploration of topics related to the rupee's value, the transition to paper currency, and the role of gold in stabilizing the economy.
A Revision of the Treaty Being a Sequel to The Economic Consequence of the Peace
"A Revision of the Treaty" by John Maynard Keynes is a historical account written in the early 20th century, specifically in the post-World War I era. This work serves as a sequel to his earlier publication, "The Economic Consequences of the Peace," and primarily discusses the ramifications and proposed revisions of the Treaty of Versailles, especially in relation to reparations and international politics. The book likely aims to offer a critical analysis of the Treaty and its implications for Europe, contributing to the discourse on how post-war treaties can be structured for sustainable peace. The opening of the book introduces Keynes’s intent to reassess the Treaty of Versailles based on new developments and opinions that have emerged since its ratification. He reflects on the folly of political rhetoric in peace negotiations and critiques the decisions made by key statesmen, such as Lloyd George. He emphasizes the need for an intelligent review of the reparations problem, arguing that many of the Treaty’s expectations are impossible to fulfill and discussing the evolving public sentiment toward more reasonable and manageable arrangements. Keynes sets the stage for a detailed examination of the contemporary state of opinion regarding reparations, highlighting the persistent disconnect between public and political perceptions.