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Review of Ravi Batra, The Great Depression of 1990 (Simon and Schuster, New York, 1985)

Author

Listed:
  • J. S. Armstrong

    (The Wharton School)

Abstract

The Great Depression of 1990 was on the New York Times best-seller list for non-fiction in the summer of 1987. It follows a standard formula for best sellers in forecasting: Forecast a great disaster, and include a formula for redemption. If the disaster occurs, you can say, I told you so. If it doesn't occur, you say, It is good that they listened to my advice. I saved them. How can you lose? When I first saw this book, it occurred to me that it was a hoax. Here is a man claiming to be a highly respected economist who makes a forecast and provides a date. The forecast is that the great depression will occur in 1990. A variety of paths to redemption are provided, the most important being that rich people should have to give up much of their riches, for it is the concentration of wealth that causes business cycles. This is a fact that Batra claims to have discovered. Batra suggests that society should tax this wealth. On the other hand, he also provides advice to rich people on how to preserve their wealth put it in cash, then store it in a safe deposit box and at home. Businessmen should avoid long-term investments.

Suggested Citation

  • J. S. Armstrong, 2005. "Review of Ravi Batra, The Great Depression of 1990 (Simon and Schuster, New York, 1985)," General Economics and Teaching 0502021, University Library of Munich, Germany.
  • Handle: RePEc:wpa:wuwpgt:0502021
    Note: Type of Document - pdf; pages: 3
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. JS Armstrong, 2004. "The Seer-Sucker Theory: The Value of Experts in Forecasting," General Economics and Teaching 0412009, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Bell, John G & Seater, John J, 1978. "Publishing Performance: Departmental and Individual," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 16(4), pages 599-615, October.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Ravi Batra;

    JEL classification:

    • A - General Economics and Teaching

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