Naked Economics: Undressing the Dismal Science (Fully Revised and Updated)

by Wheelan, Charles; Malkiel, Burton G

• ISBN13: 9780393337648
• ISBN10: 0393337642
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-04-17
• Publisher: W W NORTON

Summary

Finally! A book about economics that won’t put you to sleep.

In fact, you won’t be able to put this bestseller down. In our challenging economic climate, this perennial favorite of students and general readers is more than a good read, it’s a necessary investment—with a blessedly sure rate of return.

Demystifying buzzwords, laying bare the truths behind oft-quoted numbers, and answering the questions you were always too embarrassed to ask, the breezy Naked Economics gives readers the tools they need to engage with pleasure and confidence in the deeply relevant, not so dismal science.

This revised and updated edition adds commentary on hot topics, including the current economic crisis, globalization, the economics of information, the intersection of economics and politics, and the history—and future—of the Federal Reserve.

“Explains our global economy in a way that is (gasp!) actually entertaining.”—Book Magazine

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. ix
Introduction	p. xvii
Acknowledgments	p. xxvii
The Power of Markets: Who feeds Paris?	p. 3
Incentives Matter: Why you might be able to save your face by cutting off your nose (if you are a black rhinoceros)	p. 30
Government and the Economy: Government is your friend (and a round of applause for all those lawyers)	p. 54
Government and the Economy II: The army was lucky to get that screwdriver for $500	p. 80
Economics of Information: McDonald's didn't create a better hamburger	p. 104
Productivity and Human Capital: Why is Bill Gates so much richer than you are?	p. 126
Financial Markets: What economics can tell us about getting rich quick (and losing weight, too!)	p. 148
The Power of Organized Interests: What economics can tell us about politics	p. 175
Keeping Score: Is my economy bigger than your economy?	p. 191
The Federal Reserve: Why that dollar in your pocket is more than just a piece of paper	p. 218
International Economics: How did a nice country like Iceland go bust?	p. 243
Trade and Globalization: The good news about Asian sweatshops	p. 270
Development Economics: The wealth and poverty of nations	p. 294
Epilogue Life in 2050: Seven Questions	p. 317
Notes	p. 327
Index	p. 339
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