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John Kenneth Galbraith

Is John Kenneth Galbraith A-List?

NoB

NoJohn Kenneth Galbraith is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.

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Reached A-list in 1958

'The Affluent Society' Bestseller

Lost A-list status in 1990

Dropped to B tier — Continued Publishing and Teaching

Ranking Timeline

1943C$0.2M

Led Wartime Price Controls

As deputy director of the Office of Price Administration, Galbraith successfully managed price controls during WWII. His work helped stabilize the U.S. economy during wartime.

1952B$0.5M+$0.3M

Published 'American Capitalism'

His first major book introduced the concept of 'countervailing power' in economics. The book established him as a significant economic thinker and bestselling author.

1958A$1M+$0.5M

'The Affluent Society' Bestseller

This landmark book critiqued consumer culture and became a massive bestseller, making Galbraith a household name. It fundamentally challenged conventional economic thinking about production and consumption.

1961A$1.5M+$0.5M

U.S. Ambassador to India

Appointed by President Kennedy as Ambassador to India, Galbraith played a key diplomatic role during the Cold War. His service enhanced his reputation beyond academia.

1967A$2M+$0.5M

'The New Industrial State' Published

Another bestseller that analyzed corporate power in modern capitalism. The book cemented his status as one of the most influential economists of the 20th century.

1990B$3.5M+$1.5M

Continued Publishing and Teaching

At age 82, Galbraith remained active at Harvard, writing books and articles. His influence continued though newer economic theories began to dominate academic discourse.

2006B$5M+$1.5M

Passed Away at Age 97

Galbraith died leaving a legacy as one of the most read economists in history. His books sold millions of copies and he shaped public understanding of economics for generations.

2026B$5M

Remembered as Influential Economist

Twenty years after his death, Galbraith is remembered as a towering intellectual figure who made economics accessible to the public. His ideas continue to influence progressive economic thought, though he's more celebrated in policy circles than popular culture.

Last updated: February 25, 2026