The Value of Money
by Prabhat Patnaik
Tulika, 2008
Prabhat Patnaik's new work comes at a good time. 'Financialisation' is on the run, as the world financial crisis paralyses economic activity across the globe. Patnaik's vast oeuvre is here built upon as he undertakes a rigorous critique of monetarism, and offers a critical discussion of the tradition of 'propertyism' (in accordance with Marx and Keynes). He also adds Luxemburg's superb insights, building up a theory of imperialism. This is not easy reading, and not one for the nightstand. Rather, it is designed to be read with a sharp pencil, and an even sharper set of eyes. (Vijay Prashad)
Imagining India: Ideas for the new century
by Nandan Nilekani
Allen Lane, 2008
At first glance, it seems that Nandan Nilekani, the co-chairman of Bangalore-based Infosys Technologies, was under moral pressure to write this new work in order to establish his credentials as a highbrow entrepreneur. Fortunately, the end result is high on anecdotes and low on sermons. Despite the moralising tone of the title, the content is a leisurely read with quaint glimpses of middle-class life in the 1970s. Given the profile of the author, he had several opportunities to interact with some of the most influential politicians and bureaucrats in government, and the brightest minds of academia, and he offers the gist of his conversations to prove that India is about to glow – if it is not already shining.