Economic book suggestions

[Undesired Walrus]

I'd like to hear some recommendations for an introductory Economics book for morons, one that explains some of the foundations to a Interest rate-inflation-credit rating-recession virgin like I.

Should I get a textbook or a less studious, more friendly book?

 

[Startz]

An optimal answer depends somewhat on you're looking for. If you want to learn mainstream economics, the introductory textbooks by Krugman and by Mankiw are both excellent. They are, of course, more oriented to go with a course than for self-study. But if that's okay with you, they're both very good. And you can do fine buying a used edition, which'll be a lot cheaper.

Economics for Dummies is also perfectly fine, and a little more chatty in a Dummies sort of way.

 

[Undesired Walrus]

Thanks. Would it be wise to get a textbook if I'm not doing a course?

 

[kevinquinnyo]

If you're going to read a book by Krugman, you should also get a book by Thomas Sowell to balance out the viewpoints.

Get "Basic Economics," by Thomas Sowell.

If you want to learn about interest/inflation/monetary policy, you shouhld start with this: Khan Academy on You Yube

Scroll through the playlists and see which one interests you

 

[Startz]

Whether a textbook is right for you depends on what you like. There's no one-size-fits all answer. if you can tell us something about your previous education (including math level), people here might have some useful feedback.

Sowell's Basic Economics is long and discoursive. The textbooks I mentioned are long and chopped into more bite-sized pieces. They also use graphs and light math, where Sowell doesn't.

Another free-market oriented book is The Economic Way of Thinking, by the late Paul Heyne. (It's mostly about micro rather than macro economics.)

 

[Undesired Walrus]

I'm awful at maths.

 

[Startz]

Then you might start with Economics for Dummies or the Heyne book. The standard textbooks use math more or less at the level of high school algebra. The math isn't hard per se, but math is used as a language. This is much less so in Dummies or the Heyne book (also Sowell's book). So you might like one of those better.

 

[Legend]

I'm awful at maths.

Then you might start with Economics for Dummies or the Heyne book. The standard textbooks use math more or less at the level of high school algebra. The math isn't hard per se, but math is used as a language. This is much less so in Dummies or the Heyne book (also Sowell's book). So you might like one of those better.

I don't get it. Since when is being full of awe degrading?

Alex.

 

[Undesired Walrus]

Another free-market oriented book is The Economic Way of Thinking, by the late Paul Heyne. (It's mostly about micro rather than macro economics.)

Is this an objective, non-partisan book?

 

[Startz]

Is this an objective, non-partisan book?

There really aren't any absolute standards on "objective, non-partisan." The Economic Way of Thinking leans a little toward favoring market solutions and away from government intervention. But it's not much of a lean.

Another way to say this is that there is a huge area in which all mainstream economists are in agreement. So in terms of learning introductory material there isn't much political disagreement between one standard text and another.

 

[Puppycow]

I really enjoyed The Undercover Economist by Tim Harford.

Reading it won't feel like homework.

 

[redwards]

I really enjoyed The Undercover Economist by Tim Harford.

Reading it won't feel like homework.

Harford has a slew of books that are easily accessible. You might also try The Armchair Economist by Steven Landsburg

 

[kevinquinnyo]

Harford has a slew of books that are easily accessible. You might also try The Armchair Economist by Steven Landsburg

And "More Sex is Safer Sex," was great too.

But it's more like novelty economics. It's in the category of Freakonomics.

 

[redwards]

And "More Sex is Safer Sex," was great too.

But it's more like novelty economics. It's in the category of Freakonomics.

Also a good book.

 

[Rikeln]

I'd like to hear some recommendations for an introductory Economics book for morons, one that explains some of the foundations to a Interest rate-inflation-credit rating-recession virgin like I.

Should I get a textbook or a less studious, more friendly book?

Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt was very good.

 

[Sceptic-PK]

Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt was very good.

But it doesn’t include the last ~60 year’s worth of economic history or analysis. And we’ve had some interesting times!

 

[Skeptic Ginger]

Freakonomics is a must read for understanding economic concepts. It's not the textbook reference you may be asking for, but it covers concepts every economist should be aware of.

 

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Freakonomics is a must read for understanding economic concepts. It's not the textbook reference you may be asking for, but it covers concepts every economist should be aware of.

This book is on my Amazon wish list, but now I'm wondering if it should be.

 

[Startz]

Freakonomics is a must read for understanding economic concepts. It's not the textbook reference you may be asking for, but it covers concepts every economist should be aware of.

This book is on my Amazon wish list, but now I'm wondering if it should be.

Freakonomics is a great book. As mentioned, it's not a text. It's a collection of examples that illustrate important principles.

 

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Freakonomics is a great book. As mentioned, it's not a text. It's a collection of examples that illustrate important principles.

OK, it will stay on based upon your recommendation.