Keynes for Our Times

Robert Skidelsky (1939–2026) was a British economic historian. He was emeritus professor of political economy at the University of Warwick, a member of the House of Lords, and the author of numerous books, including an acclaimed three-volume biography of John Maynard Keynes; Money and Government; and What’s Wrong with Economics?

“[Skidelsky] brought his lifetime’s work on John Maynard Keynes up to date . . . The big point the book makes is that Keynes was always both a philosopher and an economist. As both, he shows, he remains relevant and challenging today.”—Martin Wolf, ‘Best economics books of 2026 so far’, Financial Times“Skidelsky's book is a provocative look at a side of the great economist that has often been neglected.”—MoneyWeek“Bursting with ideas. I don't think I've ever underlined as many passages or made as many notes in my journal as I did while reading this . . . one of the best economics primers around.”—Christopher Bray, Tablet“A fascinating presentation of powerful and timeless ideas. A great writer brought to the modern moment by a wise guide.”—Simon Johnson, Nobel Laureate in Economics“Keynes for Our Times is an elegant and succinct account of the most influential economist of the twentieth century, by the preeminent scholar of his life and ideas. It is made all the more compelling by framing it to answer the questions: what would Keynes have made of our current fractured time, and how would he propose to solve the economic challenges we face?”—Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World“Skidelsky’s book is a concerto—lively, accessible, balanced, relevant, moving, and perfectly composed. With this recapitulation, Keynes rises from the mists in all his poise, clarity, magic, and charm.”—James K. Galbraith, The University of Texas at Austin