The Economics Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)
*Starred Review* To most readers, the term engaging economics book is an oxymoron. This cleverly presented new volume may change that. The Economics Book takes a unique approach to elucidating this often murky subject through well-written entries. Arranged by both subtopic and time frame, the history of economic theory, notable world events, and biographies of key players are presented in six chapters, titled “Let the Trading Begin (400 BCE–1770 CE),” “The Age of Reason (1770–1820),” “Industrial and Economic Revolutions (1820–1929),” “War and Depressions (1929–1945),” “Post-War Economics (1945–1970),” and “Contemporary Economics (1970–present).” Chapters vary in length from 10 to 27 entries, each accompanied by an “In Context” sidebar and voluminous supporting illustrations, including flowcharts, graphs, and pictures.   The book concludes with a directory of influential economic thinkers, a brief glossary, and an adequate index. The book’s brilliance lies in its packaging of economic theory into easily digestible essays (e.g. “The Economy is a Yo-Yo: Boom and Bust”; “Make the Polluter Pay: External Costs”; “Crowds Breed Collective Insanity: Economic Bubbles”). Overall, this book will make economics not only accessible but potentially even fascinating to a wide range of readers at and above a high-school reading level. --Jennifer Michaelson