Handbook of public economics

Abstract

“The Handbook of Public Economics,” edited by A.J. Auerbach and Martin Feldstein, is a comprehensive reference work that gathers essential research and advanced scholarship in public economics. The multi-volume series covers key topics, methodologies, and emerging trends in the field, exploring foundational theories of public goods and taxation, government expenditures, the impact of taxation on economic behaviors, and the design of fiscal policy. The book integrates discussions on income distribution, welfare economics, and public choice theory, analyzing the decision-making processes within public institutions. The handbook emphasizes empirical research, incorporating advanced econometric techniques to analyze real-world data and inform policy-making. Renowned economists contribute various chapters, offering diverse perspectives on critical issues, including taxation’s impact on labor supply, capital formation, and international tax competition. The book also addresses contemporary challenges like social insurance, healthcare economics, and environmental fiscal policies, serving as an invaluable resource for economists, policymakers, and students seeking both broad overviews and detailed analyses of public economic policies and their implications.