Alan Greenspan, the former chairman of the Federal Reserve, died Monday of complications from Parkinson’s at the age of 100. Greenspan was widely considered the most powerful Fed chair in modern times, largely presiding over a period of long prosperity, but his strong beliefs in the free market came under criticism during the financial crisis. Paul Solman looks back at Greenspan’s legacy.

During his chairmanship, Greenspan was celebrated as possibly the best central banker in history. But later, his reputation was tarnished by the worst financial crisis since the…

A market maestro to some, he was criticized by others—including himself—for having too much faith in self-regulating markets.

Alan Greenspan, who served on the Federal Reserve under four presidents, died Monday at the age of 100.