From Library Journal
Matusow (history, Rice Univ.; The Unraveling of America: A History of Liberalism in the 1960’s, 1984) offers the first complete history of Nixonomics. Nixon generally ignored fiscal and monetary matters, preferring to devote himself to foreign policy. George Shultz, Treasury secretary, is lauded as Nixon’s finest political appointment; but John Connally, the former Texas governor and a “shameless opportunist,” became economic czar by subordinating his responsibilities to Nixon’s political agenda. The president’s attempt to create a new political majority was dashed almost as much by his failed policies and ineffective responses to the great recession and inflation of 1973-75 as by Watergate. Matusow provides lucid accounts of such complicated issues as wage-and-price controls, dollar devaluation, demise of the gold standard, and the emergence of the global economy. Highly recommended for academic and large public libraries.?Karl Helicher, Upper Merion Twp. Lib., King of Prussia, PA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From The Washington Post
[D]espite the soporific subject matter, the old adage about not judging a book by its cover applies here. Matusow’s monograph is an incisive analysis of a little-known aspect of the Nixon years. The author … has a sharp eye for personalities and a keen grasp of political economy, and he puts both skills to good use again here.
order Nixon’s Economy : Booms, Busts, Dollars, and Votes: Allen J. Matusow form Amazon.
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