Why did I waste all that time getting an economics degree when I could have just read this amazing, in-depth, entertaining book?!

A good overview of the vast history of economics, from Ancient Greece to the present. Well-known economists and their theories are discussed, but among them are found some lesser known and obscure ones whose theories and ideas are just as valuable. Even "wrong" theories are useful to study because they help identify systems and structures, which on surface might appear true, are found to be incorrect. The book itself reads like a story, and almost nothing like a dry, economics theory book. I think it can appeal to a broad audience, from those who have little or no prior economics knowledge to even those who do have a good understanding but might find it interesting to see where the various people and theories fit into history. What the book offers is the idea that a singular, correct and true model of economics is elusive; that practical applications are always based in culture, politics, and history; that theories are simplifications and there is danger in oversimplifying and making bad assumptions about people and the systems they create. The book does not attempt to offer solutions to economic issues of our time, but rather, suggests ways in which we can take the tools of economics that are available and think about appropriate contexts and applications.

This one starts off pretty strong- easy to read and informative and just what I was looking for in light of the current political situation. I started highlighting sections and taking notes and was pretty happy to be revisiting college. Sadly, shortly after Adam Smith the writing becomes dull and more like a text book and it was a struggle to pick it up again.

History and impact of economics in a great book

I loved this book. Niall Kishtany uses plain language to tell the reader the history of economic thought and its implications for society. He uses analogies well to make himself understood. He also appears objective, not necessarily expounding his own position but telling what consensus appears to be. I had recently read Economic Thought by Heinz D. Kurz, and I liked Kishtany's book much more. I even stopped reading the Kurz book half way through, giving it a two-star rating. If you want to read a great book on economics that doesn't read like a textbook, then I recommend Kishtany's book.

L'economia, intesa come studio e gestione delle risorse, come ottimizzazione e miglioramento di quanto disponibile, è una scienza antica, che affonda letteralmente le radici nella terra: quella che migliaia di anni fa i nostri antenati scoprirono di poter rendere più produttiva, se si fossero resi stanziali e avessero messo a frutto le tecniche da cui è poi nata l'agricoltura.
E dalla Mezzaluna Fertile parte il brillante saggio di Niall Kishtainy, che in capitoli brevi e attraverso concetti semplici ma non semplicistici spiega le principali teorie economiche attraverso i pensatori che le hanno elaborate, ricostruendo l'evoluzione di una disciplina tanto fondamentale quanto demonizzata e, insieme, una breve storia dell'evoluzione dell'economia mondiale.
Uno strumento per capire - o, almeno, iniziare a - quello che succede intorno a noi, e la complessità dei meccanismi che da lontano influenzano le nostre vite.
Sopratutto, uno strumento agile, interessante, divertente, pienamente accessibile a tutti, anche a chi - sopratutto a chi - sia completamente digiuno in materia.
Non posso che augurarmi che qualche editore si illumini d'immenso e traduca questo appassionante, utilissimo volumetto. ^^

I have enjoyed every volume in this well-edited and conceptualized series--take thoughtful experts with a talent for explaining and choosing vivid examples, and set them to introductory volumes about crucial subjects meant for an intelligent audience looking for a clever review of concepts, major thinkers and famous illustrations. This particular title is a broad survey of economics, with the big names set in their historical contexts, lucid expressions of theory (I needed that booster shot on Ricardo) and implications of their application. I recommend any graduate student invest a weekend on this to get up to speed.