20 Best Books On Economy (2023 Update)

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

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

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

This book is concise, informative and easy to read and understand. It'll benefit all readers who have long forgotten their freshman economics course.shopperbaba11

No illustrations! Skimpy for an economics book…has no data tables or flow charts, no graphs indicating supply & demand. Immensely out of date!jennken-2976

This book is an excellent source for cementing an understanding of why there are impoverished countries. What might influence an individual from making a decision that may not be advantageous and how foreign policy can help fix the problem without just giving money away the traditional way. No more bandages. Its time for real change.brunde_14

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

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

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

These books are aimed at babies, but they really grow with the child. It introduces scientific and mathematical concepts early on and can serve as the foundation for further exploration and learning later on.Targetzgirl

I love how detailed this book is, perfect economics introduction book for my toddler. The pictures are vibrant and beautiful, I’m personally learning a thing or two myself. Whats also great about this book is it will continue to be of use for my growing toddler.FM

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

This book is an excellent read for any one who is interested in economics or even politics. The explanations of the various concepts are nicely supplemented with real life examples, putting into context the economic theories for average folks to understand. For once the book summary truly reflects the content of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book so much, I would give it a 5 out of 5 rating.Cristina Deukett

This book is an excellent read for any one who is interested in economics or even politics. The explanations of the various concepts are nicely supplemented with real life examples, putting into context the economic theories for average folks to understand. For once the book summary truly reflects the content of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book so much, I would give it a 5 out of 5 rating.Cristina Deukett