Originally published in 1982, this book begins with a wide-ranging and critical review of both first and second generation theories of inflation (and the related problem of unemployment), including the classical approach to macroeconomics. The author systematically integrates search, implicit contract, expectations and wage-bargaining theeoriees to outline a new and original synthesis. This synthesis and switching regimes model is then rigorously examined to see how well it can explain inflation the US and the UK.