Basic Economics: A Common Sense Guide to the Economy
About this product
The bestselling citizen’s guide to economics
“Thomas Sowell is the nation’s greatest living economist.” — American Spectator Basic Economics is a citizen’s guide to economics, written for those who want to understand how the economy works but have no interest in jargon or equations. Bestselling economist Thomas Sowell explains the general principles underlying different economic systems: 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.
Drawing on lively examples from around the world and from centuries of history, Sowell explains basic economic principles for the general public in plain English.
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Editor's Take
Amazon reviewers say this book is very readable, clear, and easy to understand, with explanations that break down complicated economic ideas in a direct, practical way.
Goodreads and StoryGraph readers similarly praise it as a digestible introduction to economics, often describing it as concise, logical, and full of useful examples.
Some review sources frame it as a strong starter text or a book suitable for students and general readers who want a plain-language overview of how the economy works.
Review blogs and other commentary echo the same themes, especially the book’s clarity, depth, and lack of technical jargon.
- Amazon reviewers: readable, well-written, insightful, and easy to follow.
- Goodreads readers: clear, digestible, and accessible.
- StoryGraph readers: a straightforward and understandable economics guide.
- YouTube results: one real review video and one Thomas Sowell-related video were found about this book.
Price History
Specifications
| ASIN | 0465060730 |
| Publisher | Basic Books |
| Publication date | December 2, 2014 |
| Edition | 5th |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 704 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 9780465060733 |
| Item Weight | 2.31 pounds |
| Dimensions | 6.5 x 2.13 x 9.5 inches |
| Best Sellers Rank | #3,234 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #1 in Political Economy #1 in Libertarianism #1 in Economic Conditions (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars (5,170) |
