This work investigates the evolution of economic theory from the publication of Keynes's General Theory through the late twentieth century. Authors Gilles Dostaler and Michel Beaud provide a structured historical analysis of shifting paradigms, ranging from the dominance of state interventionism to the subsequent resurgence of liberal economic thought. The text serves as both a historical narrative and a biographical reference, mapping the intellectual contributions of the most significant economists of the era.

Experts identify this work as a highly effective reference tool for students and educators seeking a concise synthesis of modern economic history. Readers frequently note the clarity of the biographical entries, which provide necessary context for understanding the complex theoretical shifts discussed in the first section.