Inflation Is about More Than Money: Economics, Politics and the Social Fabric

‘A wonderfully clear and concise account of everything you needed to know about inflation which should be read by every citizen.’ – Mervyn King, former governor of the Bank of England

‘Over the past few years, as the cost-of-living crisis has forced many to choose between eating and heating, people have woken up to the huge social as well as economic costs that can be caused by inflation. In this important book, which should be read by those of all political persuasions, Lord Griffiths challenges policy-makers and central banks not to underestimate the serious ethical and moral issues raised.’ – Rt Hon Ruth Kelly, former Labour Cabinet Minister in the Blair and Brown governments

‘Drawing on his extensive experience in academia, government and the world of finance, Lord Griffiths’s Inflation Is About More Than Money combines monetary pragmatism and ethics to examine the history and perils of inflation. This timely book will appeal both to a general readership and an expert audience.’ – Professor Rosa Lastra, Sir John Lubbock Chair in Banking Law, CCLS, Queen Mary University of London

‘Money is ubiquitous in our lives both as an opportunity and a problem. Generations have tried to get some grip on its nature and its effect on our lives and societies. Professor Lord Brian Griffiths, who has spent much of his academic career and his time as adviser to politicians at the highest level in understanding monetary matters, has now distilled his knowledge and experience in this book. A unique feature of the book is the author’s approach, as a committed Christian, to thinking about inflation as a moral issue. Accessibly written, it is an informative way to get to know about money and its good and troublesome aspects.’ – Professor Lord Meghnad Desai

‘Brian Griffiths has been tough-minded on inflation and the causes of inflation for half a century. His analysis of the post-Covid resurgence of inflation proves that he has lost none of his bite. I am extremely proud to have helped unleash this brilliant book, which began as a series of essays for TheArticle, upon the world. Inflation Is About More Than Money should be compulsory reading for all politicians, central bankers and the next generation of economists.’ – Daniel Johnson, Editor of The Article

‘The central point of Brian Griffiths’s fine and passionate polemic is that inflation is a moral disease, not just a technical problem. It creates a culture of broken promises that dissolves the social ties necessary for society to cohere and for enterprise to flourish. A policy adviser to Margaret Thatcher, Griffiths draws on the lessons of the 1970s, 1980s and the recent inflation to offer a timely warning to our own world of Covid-19 lockdowns, military buildups and soaring food and energy prices.’ – Lord (Robert) Skidelsky, Emeritus Professor of Political Economy, University of Warwick

‘Brian Griffiths brings to the contemporary policy debate the perspective of one present at the heart of government during the previous inflationary storm. This insightful book is a powerful reminder that the recipe for a monetary inflation works as well today as it ever did. And that the task of bringing inflation under control is no less costly and painful with the passage of time.’ – Peter Warburton, Director of Economic Perspectives Ltd

‘Inflation is caused by “too much money chasing too few goods”. But Brian Griffiths asks: Where does “too much money” come from, and why? This clearly written, jargon-free, concise account identifies the several and sometimes distant causes of the social and fiscal conditions that produce too much money. This is a very serious and accessible statement that should be read by politicians and economists, and indeed by anyone who would like to better understand our current and continuing predicament.’ – Forrest Capie, Emeritus Professor, Bayes Business School, University of London