This book investigates the origins and experiences of global inflation from 1950 to the early 1980s. It presents a comparative study of inflation in major economies including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, West Germany, France, and Italy, as well as the world economy overall. The analysis explores the historical trajectory of inflation, its connection to real income growth, and the various inflationary impulses stemming from factors like the money supply and labor markets. Furthermore, it examines the influence of expectations, the impact on income distribution and economic growth, and the effects of the 1979-82 depression.

This comparative study of world inflation since 1950 offers a detailed historical and economic analysis. The book's strength lies in its broad geographical scope, examining major economies and the global context. It systematically explores the multifaceted causes and consequences of inflation, from monetary policy and labor markets to expectations and income distribution. The inclusion of the 1979-82 depression provides a crucial lens for understanding the period's economic challenges and drawing concluding insights.