Principles of Public Finance

This latest edition of the renowned textbook presents a significantly enriched and updated exploration of public finance, incorporating substantial new material in light of recent fiscal developments. The book offers a comprehensive survey of the general theory of taxation, various forms of public revenue, patterns of public expenditure, and the complexities surrounding public debt. These core topics have been thoroughly revised to reflect contemporary economic challenges and policy approaches. A notable addition to this edition is a detailed chapter devoted to modern theories of budgetary policy, with particular emphasis on the contributions made by John Maynard Keynes and other influential economists. This section explores the evolution of fiscal thinking, especially the shift towards using government budgets as tools for economic stabilization and growth. The chapter aims to provide students and practitioners with a clear understanding of how these theoretical frameworks have influenced real-world policy-making. The final chapter is a unique and personal reflection by the author, drawing upon his experience serving at the British Treasury during the critical post-World War II period from 1945 to 1947. In this section, the author discusses the economic challenges faced during his tenure, outlines the rationale behind the policies implemented across four successive budgets, and offers insights into the controversial "cheap money" policy that sparked considerable debate at the time.