George Blyn
Photograph of Prof. George Blyn
Born(1919-05-02)May 2, 1919
Brooklyn, New York, United States
NationalityAmerican
Alma materUniversity of Pennsylvania
Occupation(s)Economist, Professor, Writer
Known forAgricultural Trends in India, 1891-1947: Output, Availability, and Productivity

George Blyn (born May 2, 1919) was an American economist, professor, and writer.

Early life and education

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George Blyn was born on May 2, 1919, in Brooklyn, New York, to Pesach Blyn, aged 33, and Rose Blyn, aged 28. He attended Erasmus Hall High School. Following his service as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II, Blyn attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a B.A. in 1951 and an M.A. in South Asia Regional Studies in 1953. He completed his Ph.D. in Economics in 1961.

Career

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Dr. Blyn began his academic career teaching Economic Geography at Villanova University from 1954 to 1962. In 1962, he joined the faculty of Rutgers University in Camden, where he taught Economics until his retirement in 1989 as Professor Emeritus. His notable publication, Agricultural Trends in India, 1891-1947: Output, Availability, and Productivity, published by the University of Pennsylvania Press in 1966, is regarded as a classic in its field. Blyn also published numerous journal articles and encyclopedia entries and was active in various professional organizations, including the American Economics Association, the Association American Geographers, the Association Indian Economics Studies, Delaware Valley Geographers Association (serving on the Executive Committee from 1970 to 1989), and Economics of New Jersey, where he was Vice President from 1986 to 1989. He served as a Senior Faculty Research Fellow at the American Institute of Indian Studies in 1965-1966 and again in 1979.

Personal life

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Blyn married Charlotte Lilly, with whom he had three daughters between 1953 and 1970. Outside his academic career, Dr. Blyn was a dedicated performer, involved in shows with Rutgers University and the Delaware Valley Lyric Opera Guild, from Aida to The Fantasticks. At age 70, he took up competitive running, participating in the Broad Street Runs and Senior Olympics until the age of 94.

He undertook two significant trips to India with his family, including a drive over 2500 miles from Pune to Shimla and back, combining his field research with family sightseeing.

Military service

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Known as "Tiger" during his military years, Blyn served in France, Germany, and England during World War II. He was known for his witty writing and penned a regular column, "Getting the Range." He also composed a theme song, "Moonlight Cavalry," for his Battery's "Searchlight Gremlins," set to the tune of "The Caisson Song."

Legacy

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George Blyn's contributions to economics, especially his work on agricultural trends in India, continue to influence the field. His vibrant personality, dedication to his family, and zest for life marked his lasting legacy.

Selected works

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  • Agricultural Trends in India, 1891-1947: Output, Availability, and Productivity. University of Pennsylvania Press, 1966.

References

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  • [Include any available references here]


Category:1919 births Category:American economists Category:Rutgers University faculty Category:Villanova University faculty Category:University of Pennsylvania alumni Category:People from Brooklyn Category:United States Army personnel of World War II