Edward Elgar Publishing Two Hundred Years of Say’s Law: Essays on Economic Theory’s Most Controversial Principle

This provocative book examines the standing of Say's Law two centuries after its initial statement in 1803. From the 30 year General Glut debate at the start of the nineteenth century which focused solely on its truth, to the Keynesian revolution and Keynes's successful attempt to convince his fellow economists that Say's Law was wrong, it remains the most controversial principle in the history of economic theory. The central question - not resolved to this day - is this: can demand deficiency ever be the cause of recession and, if so, are greater levels of unproductive spending an appropriate response? The thrust of the argument is that if Say's Law is valid, much of modern macroeconomic theory is fatally flawed. The book explores the validity of this problematic principle, reminding us that this 200 year debate has not yet been laid to rest. The specially commissioned papers within this volume - by authors representing the full range of economic opinion today - spell out where this two hundred year old debate now stands. The book seeks to provide an understanding of the place of this principle in the minds of economists 200 years after it was first made explicit in the works of Jean-Baptiste Say. Providing a spectrum of perspectives both for and against the principles underlying Say's Law, this accessible book will be a captivating read for economists, economic historians and non-specialists alike.