"The Man Who Knew the Life and Times of Alan Greenspan" by Sebastian Mallaby are about the life and career of Alan Greenspan, former chairman of the Federal Reserve. The text explores his personal and professional development, highlighting his intellectual journey from a young libertarian influenced by Ayn Rand to a powerful figure shaping global economic policy. It also details his involvement in various political and economic events, such as the Nixon campaign, the Reagan administration, and the 1987 stock market crash, culminating in his impactful tenure as Fed chairman during a period of economic growth and prosperity, followed by a financial crisis. The text examines his decisions, motivations, and his evolving understanding of the complex interplay between markets, government, and ideology.