Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative

The first full biography of America’s most renowned economist, Milton Friedman, offers a deep dive into the life and legacy of one of the most influential thinkers of the twentieth century. Alongside John Maynard Keynes, Friedman shaped the economic landscape of his era, with his work playing a pivotal role in the turn toward free markets that defined the 1980s. His passionate defenses of capitalism and freedom resonated globally, earning the late twentieth century the moniker “the Age of Friedman.” This period has seen him credited for both the rising prosperity and the social challenges of modern times.

Highlights of the Biography:

• Archival Depth: Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative is the first full biography to utilize archival sources, offering unparalleled insights into Friedman’s extraordinary life.
• Groundbreaking Work: The book provides lucid and lively context for Friedman’s revolutionary ideas, such as:
  • Why dentists earn less than doctors.
  • The critical role of the money supply.
  • Inflation and the limitations of government planning and stimulus.
• Key Collaborations and Relationships:
  • Friedman’s long-standing collaborations with women, including economist Anna Schwartz.
  • His complex professional relationships with influential figures like Federal Reserve chairman Arthur Burns and Treasury secretary George Shultz.
  • His direct involvement in policymaking at the highest levels of government.

A New Economic Vision:

Historian Jennifer Burns explores Friedman’s role in shaping modern American conservatism and creating a new economic vision. This biography not only captures his intellectual contributions but also provides nuanced insights into his impact on the global stage.

The result is a revelatory account of America’s first neoliberal—and perhaps its last great conservative.