What is a good short book on Keynesian economics for someone who knows very little about economics?

Question

I am studying economics in my free time. So far I have read:

Economic Policy: A look to the future by Ludwig Von Mises

Free to Choose by Milton Friedman

What has government done to our money by Murray Rothbard

Economics in One Lesson by Henry Halitt

All of these are books which advocate little/no government intervention into the economy. I liked all of them. I want to read a little bit on the other side though. Any suggestions? Thanks

Answer 1

Wow, you have leaned to the right quite a bit with this list of economists.  There are some good DVD's on Keynes, which might be more interesting than reading a whole book.  I've never been able to read the Keyne's book--The General Theory--too boring.  Even you tube should have some stuff on Keynes.  I know they had a long segment with Von Mises.

Answer 2

Commanding Heights:  The Battle for the World Economy by Yergin and Stanislaw is a book which will give you some good background.  It's not terribly short, but it's also a multi-part series on PBS (and available on video) if you'd rather watch than read.

Answer 3

Memos to the President

A Guide through Macroeconomics for the Busy Policymaker

by Charles L. Schultze

Pretty mainstream, as opposed to the list you have which tilts to the right.  The author was one of President Carter's top economic advisors.

Answer 4

You can jump right into the source material with General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money by Keynes himself.

If you want someone favoring government intervention in general, anything by Paul Krugman would be a good idea.  He is definitely more interventionist than what you've been reading, and he writes for a general (nonacademic) audience.