Basic Economics: A Common Sense Guide to the Economy
About this product
Basic Economics is a citizen's guide to economics-for those who want to understand how the economy works but have no interest in jargon or equations. Sowell reveals the general principles behind any kind of economy-capitalist, socialist, feudal, and so on. In readable language, he shows how to critique economic policies in terms of the incentives they create, rather than the goals they proclaim. With clear explanations of the entire field, from rent control and the rise and fall of businesses to the international balance of payments, this is the first book for anyone who wishes to understand how the economy functions. Read more
Editor's Take
Amazon reviewers say this book is very readable, clear, and easy to understand, with strong examples and practical explanations of complicated economic ideas. Goodreads and The StoryGraph readers are also mostly positive, calling it insightful, accessible, and a strong introduction to economics, though some note it can feel repetitive or politically slanted. A few reviewers on Goodreads and in blog reviews criticize it as ideological, especially in sections on free markets and labor policy. Overall, the consensus is that it works well as a plain-language economics primer for general readers.
On YouTube, one real video result appears to be a dedicated review of this exact book, suggesting at least some video discussion from readers rather than just unrelated economics content.
Price History
Specifications
| Publisher | Basic Books |
| Publication date | April 3, 2007 |
| Edition | 3rd |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 640 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0465002609 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0465002603 |
| Item Weight | 2 pounds |
| Reading age | 13 years and up |
| Dimensions | 6.8 x 1.65 x 9.26 inches |
| Grade level | 11 and up |
| Best Sellers Rank | #662,790 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #6,906 in Economics (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (240) |
