Robert Giffen and the Giffen Paradox

"Giffen goods" and "the Giffen paradox" are alluded to in every standard economics textbook, yet there is no comprehensive reference work available. This book considers the life and career of Robert Giffen and his writings on poverty in the mid-nineteenth century. Containing an extensive review of literature on the paradox, it explores the origins of this perverse form of consumer behaviour and discusses its relevance for the late twentieth century. Contents: Introduction; Retrospect; Robert Giffen; Giffen and the Poor; The Paradox Statement; Giffen's Paradox; Before and After Giffen; Rehabilitation and Debate; Epilogue; Bibliographical Notes; Index^R