The official book launch for Full Employment Abandoned: Shifting Sands and Policy Failures by Bill Mitchell and Joan Muysken, published by Edward Elgar Publishing UK was held at Downing College, Cambridge University on July 4, 2008.

The book was introduced by Professor Philip Arestis (Cambridge Univ) who noted that:

This book by William Mitchell and Joan Muysken is both important and timely. It deals with the issue of the abandonment of full employment as an objective of economic policy in the OECD countries. It argues persuasively that macroeconomic policy has been restrictive over the recent, and not so recent past, and has produced substantial open and disguised unemployment. But the authors show how a job guarantee policy can enable workers, who would otherwise be unemployed, to earn a wage and not depend on welfare support. If such a policy is fully supported by appropriate fiscal and monetary programmes, it can create a full employment with price stability. This book is essential reading for any one wishing to understand how we can return to full employment as the normal state of affairs.

A review by Professor Randy Wray, who was unable to travel to the UK from Kansas City was read by Louisa Connors on his behalf - Download full text.

The book is available for purchase via the Edward Elgar.

Photos from the launch:

• The authors (left) signing a copy
• The authors signing a copy
• Some of the attendees
• Alan Freeman, President of AHE welcoming guests to the launch
• Professor Philip Arestis introducing the book
• The authors
• Bill Mitchell with Warren Mosler
• Bill Mitchell with Philip Arestis
• Joan and Anne-Marie Muysken
• Bill Mitchell and Louisa Connors

Past Events

CofFEE Home