I was wondering if anyone could recommend an macro econ text that explains theory but also gives historical examples of where the theory worked and where it didn't. Anyone know of such a book? thanks.
Thomas Sowell's Basic Economics.
That looks good, but do you know of something more advanced?
Pick up one of Greg Mankiw's macro textbooks - he relates a lot of concepts (like the Phillips Curve) to historical data.
Isn't he a New Keynesian? Might that be a problem or does he give other theories their due?
Yes he is. There's nothing wrong with that - he covers all mainstream economics for the most part. He doesn't get into Austrian Economics at all though. Still, if you want a pretty easy to understand macro textbook with specific historical examples then that's the one for you. If nothing else, it'll strengthen your knowledge of mainstream economics which you will need to know whether or not you accept the validity of them.
Of course there is a problem with someone being a Keynesian. Why anyone would want to learn economics from a Keynesian? If one wants to criticize mainstream economics there's nothing wrong with being acquainted with its theories, but if one wants to learn economics, there shouldn't be any reason to get in contact with mainstream economics theory.And as Rothbard greatly lamented while he was alive, the time of the big treatises on economics are gone, I don't know if there is an advanced book on economics (at least from a correct perspective) in the way you want.
Because economics exists outside of the Austrian School. Big treatises are pointless in this day and if you want to have a broad understanding of economics you need to at least acquaint yourself with mainstream texts.
Not sure how advanced of a text you're looking for. You might do better looking at economic history texts that apply theory to historical examples, as opposed to the opposite. Do be sure you've checked out the 4th edition (latest) to Basic Economics, as it is much longer than some of the versions before it, so there may be more there than you're aware of.
Then of course there are various lectures:
The New Deal: History, Economics, and Law
The Economics of the New Deal and World War II
Thomas E. Woods: The Truth About American History (10)
On Doing Economic History
A Libertarian Gallop Through American History
Applying Economics to American History