Free Lunch Thinking

An essential read if you want to know how economics has erred - and how it can do better. -- Gabriel Zucman, author of 'The Hidden Wealth of Nations' I couldn't put it down. A thorough and nuanced examination of the evolution of supply side economics and the debates we had around how to put the theory into practice. I loved it. -- Arthur Laffer, creator of the Laffer Curve A brilliant tour de force exposing the limitations of economic theories. Bergin punctures many accepted myths and - with care and rigour - demonstrates how much accepted economic orthodoxy is based on ideology and not reality. A very readable and well-researched book that we all should read. -- Margaret Hodge, former chair of the UK parliament’s Public Accounts Committee An entertaining and thought-provoking exploration of economic theories that have been both widely accepted and largely wrong . . . I devoured it in a couple of sittings. * Reuters Breakingviews * Fantastically provocative book . . . a really great read. -- David McWilliams, economist and author Wonderful book . . . A very lively read. -- Matthew Taylor, chief executive of RSA (Royal Society of Arts, Manufacturing and Commerce) A fine book . . . The quality of public policy should be all the better for it. * Wealth Briefing * Superb . . . Bergin brings his sharp eye and insights to in this elegant narrative. * Daily Maverick, South Africa * He has written a thoughtful, fairminded, and intellectually honest critique of free-market economics, which raises some interesting challenges for free-marketeers. He combines that with an insightful account of the recent history of economic thought. If you are looking for a book which challenges you without being annoying - make it this one. -- Institute of Economic Affairs