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Hook: Rediscovering the Art of Marketcraft

What if the “invisible hand” wasn’t so invisible after all? In Marketcrafters, economist Chris Hughes shatters the myth of an unfettered free market, arguing that it was entrepreneurial government leaders—marketcrafters—who built the most dynamic economy the world has ever known. This timely exploration of American capitalism delivers a powerful lesson: intentional policy, not laissez-faire ideology, can drive innovation, stability, and inclusion for decades to come.

Main Body

A Century of Shaping Markets
From gasoline shortages in the 1970s to the semiconductor boom and today’s AI revolution, Hughes traces how figures on both sides of the aisle actively crafted markets for public good. You’ll meet:

  • Jesse Jones, who marshaled resources to fuel WWII production.
  • Lina Khan, whose transformation from Yale Law student to FTC chair highlights modern antitrust battles.
  • Industry champions who spurred aviation, semiconductors, and clean energy through bold regulation.

Each chapter reveals triumphs and missteps, illustrating how policies to reduce inflation or fight climate change reshaped entire industries—and what happens when “marketcraft” is forgotten.

Why It Matters Now
In an era of rising inequality and global competition, Hughes insists we look back to move forward. By learning from past successes and failures—from supporting financial innovation to averting oil crises—we can design future markets that harness emerging technologies like AI and clean power to benefit everyone.

Personal Recommendation

As an entrepreneur and strategist, I found Marketcrafters invaluable for understanding the nexus of policy and profit. Hughes’s clear, non-technical prose makes complex economic history accessible, while his vivid character portraits—of both visionaries and bureaucratic holdouts—bring policy debates to life. Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, or curious reader, this book will reshape how you view government’s role in driving growth and innovation.

Call to Action

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Click here to get your copy of Marketcrafters on Amazon » and discover the hidden hands that have shaped America’s economy over the past century.