Robert J. Gordon

Robert J. Gordon is the author of the classic book titled, “The Rise and Fall of American Growth: The U.S. Standard of Living Since the Civil War.” This work is an exploration of the past 200 years of history and economics, and Gordon's book dives deep into the factors that have led to the US having the world's highest standard of living and technological development during that period.

Robert J. Gordon is the Stanley G. Harris professor of economics at Northwestern University. He is a renowned professor and researcher, with numerous books and journal articles on economic topics. His research focuses primarily on the measuring and impact of technological progress and economic change, something he has become a world-renowned expert in. Gordon has served on the faculty of many universities, including Stanford, University of Chicago, and the National Bureau of Economic Research. He has been awarded numerous distinctions, such as the 2001 Max Planck Award and the 2018 John Kenneth Galbraith award.

Gordon’s book, “The Rise and Fall of American Growth”, is a comprehensive overview of the history of growth and development in America. His work has been praised for presenting a clear and concise explanation of the many factors that shaped the American economy over the course of the last two centuries. Gordon breaks down the key elements in the process of growth and change in a way that is easy to understand and digest.

In particular, Gordon emphasises the role of technological progress in improving economic opportunity and living standards. He explains how, in the 19th century, the US economy was driven by advances in steam power and the rise of the large corporation. The start of the 20th century saw the introduction of electricity and automobiles, further boosting economic growth. The middle of the century saw the rise of consumer electronics and the Internet, leading to another period of rapid economic expansion. Finally, Gordon addresses the current slowdown in US economic growth and argues that it is largely due to lack of new technological innovation.

Gordon’s book is hailed as an essential read for anyone wanting to better understand the history and current structure of the US economy. It offers readers a comprehensive look at the forces which have enabled the country to become the world’s richest nation, as well as the challenges which lie ahead. Gordon’s insightful analysis of the past two centuries of economic development and growth will inform and provide readers with a better understanding of the US economy for decades to come.