20 Best Books For Economics (2023 Update)

While knowing I was weak in my Econ knowledge I wanted to gain more insights and better understand the various terms and just overall Econ speak. This book covered what appears enough to now lead to going deeper into different business and policy sectors. Its also easy to read with relatable examples. My understanding has been deepened to learn more. Definitely recommend this book especially while quarantined Most of us have more free time so using it to learn is important to me.strobelpaul27wc

This book should be required reading in every high school. Sowell makes a subject that many find difficult to grasp straightforward and easy to understand.mmwar7gat

Economics is reimagined as a tool that works in the global market. Plenty of positive examples and useful concepts. A bit too hopeful for an old cynic. Needed a chapter on how to introduce the donut as a virus within current economics and political decision making.Greg

Review: Kate Raworth, Doughnut Economics, (2017) A most convincing argument for a new measurement to replace the GDP, or perhaps a set of measurements, of what we can use sustainably in living on this planet Earth. Very interestingly written and most thoroughly researched. And, indeed exciting reading for those interested. All world leaders and those aspiring to be, would have to be acquainted with these new ideas of what is vital to sustain life on earth. The 21st Century demands it for survival, as the former GDP was never viable in the long run. Nature on Earth is limited, not infinite! However, I do wonder what will be measured to reflect these new ideas, for future societies to enjoy thriving sustainably on Earth? Acknowledging The Conversation (issue: 6 Jan, 2022) for first alerting me to this book's existence! Soon after finishing reading this book, I noted that "Joshonomics now on curriculum at Sceggs" (SMH, Friday 18 February, 2022, at p. 2), and had to wonder why? It appeared the Honourable Josh Frydenberg, Federal Treasurer, addressed year 12 economics class. Apparently he covered topics ranging from house prices, China, the general economic recovery, debt and climate change in response to questions from the students. They might have also had some lessons in GDP too, but I do have to wonder if their own economics teacher had also given them some clues into other measures after reading Kate Raworth's Doughnut Economics? It could well be that some of those students might take up the challenge and pursue other measure(s), to replace GDP, that could be needed in the future! I am aware of Lord Kelvin (1824-1907), the famous physicist who said: "When you can measure what you are speaking of and express it in numbers, you know that on which you are discoursing; but, when you cannot measure it and express it in numbers your knowledge is of a very meagre and unsatisfactory kind." Col G, Newcastle, NSW.Col

The book reminded me about the history of economics. It also showed how Adam Smith had been misrepresented as an apologist for the excesses of capitalism. It also showed how Adam Smith was still relevant today.munromandavid

This author is an Nobel Laureate in Economics. I bought three of his books but have received only two so far. The books are essentially text books for Economics students at bachelor levelI don't know what this means or

This was my introduction to economics, as due to university I felt the necessity to familiarise with the relevant economists and theories.luirodriguesroch-0

Använde boken till en uppgift inom mikroekonomi, den var toppen. Den sätter det man lär sig i verkliga situationer så man förstår det bättre!Kajsa

Great book! Teaches lots of economic principles while explaining them with a variety of examples. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about economics or is just fascinated by the way that certain economic principles are applied in the real world.2005kirandeep

It is very nice book. great for those who just starts to study economics. clearly explains issues. I am an economist but still I found a lot info. also very entertaining book with very good examples.qullit

This book is very easy to understand. I like, it doesn't ramble, and gets to the point. I purchased the book for a Global Issues course. I am glad the professor chose this book, it keeps my interest.graphite03

It was important for me to understand what is going on in our economic times. There were too many years since taking Econ in school, so after seeing one of the well-versed anchors on Fox Business News refer to this book, I decided to buy one. It has everything necessary to understand why oil is up and why things are the way they are.jrichard0012

Great book! Teaches lots of economic principles while explaining them with a variety of examples. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about economics or is just fascinated by the way that certain economic principles are applied in the real world.2005kirandeep

Robert Kyosaki- Rich Dad Poor Dad is the book that has caused me to 'Think Big'. His formula for success has been tried and proven.Do not believe for one minute after reading this book that education (ie going to school, getting a university degree) is not important. However, look at a number of the rich and famous. Were they always the brightest in school? NO!!!!!! But they had TALENT and a natural knack to succeed. Quite frankly, it is so hard to get a job these days. Many of our young people are coming out of the colleges and universities to sit and do nothing. There are only a few who would think outside the box and try something different. The ones who tend to be different,who are SMART risk takers,who rises every time they fall, who learns from their mistakes and the mistakes of others- tend to succeed. The book is so easy to read. The illustrations that the author use is clear.The text is so easy on the eyes and the language comprehend able so even the average man can understand, be motivated and to be different from the crowd.jm_miche

MOST AMAZING SELF – HELP BOOK I READ SO FAR (Finance related). I have read many books till now but no one can compete Rich Dad and Poor Dad so far. One word to describe it- EYE OPENER A Must read book for everyone. I would definitely recommend to read it once, it's definitely gonna blow your mind.d.d

Phenomenal writing. Maybe the best financial advice offered in a century. Kiyosaki is articulate as he weaves his tale of life experience from mediocre living to great wealth. I know from experience his information is true, because I was taught this when I was young. Rich Dad, Poor Dad should be required reading for all teenagers and adults alike who do not understand how to read the financial pages in the newspaper. He breaks the complexities of economists and bankers down into bite sized pieces for the layman.ashley.r

This book provides the clear thinking and insight that is so lacking both in education and politics. This is a must read for anyone at or above the high school level.soldbymarriott

book was as described, service quick, great price. I have observed the ignorance in the American people concerning economics. Tom sowell's book is aimed at the average person so is easily readible and informative. Most Americans hae no conception of economics so our schools are not teaching this science. This book or an equivalent should be read by all.salina_john

Excellent book- easy to digest and presents some compelling arguments for re-thinking the structure/models of our economy.cooperpro

How long does it take to finish a 527-page book? No more than a week, in my experience, if the book is as fascinating as Eric Beinhockers The Origin of Wealth. By now, you probably already suspect that the classical economics youve learned in school is wrong – or, if not wrong, a pretty poor description of reality. So, what does a more useful economic science look like? Heres a few clues: Youve read about emergent properties of complex systems ever since Gdel, Escher, Bach by Hofstadter. You know that a system doesnt even need to be complex in order to produce unpredictable outcomes, for example if youve ever played the Beer Game, which was a big deal in System Dynamics training back in my McKinsey days. Youve followed the progress in the field of behavioral economics and youve enjoyed a few laughs with Freakonomics by Levitt and Dubner. You may have heard about Epstein and Axtells Sugarscape model, where even agents modeled with very simple rules for metabolizing commodities and trading them with each other results in simulated economic landscapes in which the degree of inequality is strikingly similar to the one we witness in human societies. Youve heard some of the debate around Matthew Millers The Two Percent Solution, who writes Suppose I told you that for just two cents on the national dollar we could have a country where everyone had health insurance, every full-time worker earned a living wage, every poor child had a great teacher in a fixed-up school, and politicians spent their time with average Americans because they no longer had to grovel to wealthy donors? Suppose I also said wed largely be using conservative means (like tax subsidies and vouchers) to reach these seemingly liberal goalsand that when we were done, government would be smaller than it was when Ronald Reagan was president? Youve enjoyed the descriptions of open-source companies in LaBarre and Taylors Mavericks at Work. When the mess of your desk has gotten out of control, youve invoked the Second law of thermodynamics. What Beinhocker does, admirably, is put it all together. This is an ambitious book, far-reaching and stopping just short of intellectual sprawl. Overall, it is a great success and a must read for anybody interested in these issues. A few, admittedly minor, quibbles. Why call the unifying theory Complexity Economics? If you can explain it without a single recourse to calculus in over 500 pages, its way less complex to understand than traditional economics. Of course, if the economy is like the weather, sitting in constant disequilibrium, requiring massive computational power to simulate, and defying forecasts, it is complex indeed. But it is complex for reasons that even a child can verify, by playing a simple computer game. I dont have a proposal right now, but Id like to suggest that the field needs a better label. Finally, Beinhockers four concluding chapters about the theorys implications for real life are not as insightful and innovative as the rest of the book. Strategy and Organization are useful, but dont tell you anything new if youve gone to business school in the last, say, fifteen years. Finance is a bit more interesting (so, heres what was wrong with CAPM!) and Politics and Policy makes you wish that, well, you could vote for the guy. But overall, I almost wish hed finished the book at the end of Part III. Still, one of the best books Ive read this year.paola1969

I am using this book with an Economics course that I am teaching at a co-op. It does a great job of telling the key elements of economics and would be a great book for anyone to read. The authors also have a web site with helps for teachers and resources for class. I would encourage anyone to read it,Karen

An excellent overview of some of the most significant economic theory and ideas in the past century. This is a great place to start digging in for a deeper understanding of competing theories of economics and discovery some surprising facts.cdrdon