Introduction

Originally published in 1980, this volume reviews and synthesises some of the analytical models used by economists in the late 20th century to tackle certain major questions of public policy, and specifically issues of fiscal policy in its widest sense. The essays, dedicated to the economist James Meade and written by contributors who were associated with him at Cambridge provide students and professional economists with an understanding of the ways in which specific taxes and general fiscal instruments may be used to achieve the goals of public policy with respect to the distribution of income and wealth, the allocation of resources and the overall balance and growth of aggregate economic activity.