This is a list of suggested economics reading which will help give a better understanding of the subject. It includes quite a range of perspectives from the ‘debunking of economics and free markets’ to Milton Friedman’s passionate defence of the free market. Whatever their perspective they all can add to our understanding.
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50 Economics Ideas: You Really Need to Know - Edmund ConwayA good basic guide to 50 key economic concepts such as inflation, balance of payments, unemployment. Separate chapters help to break down the material.
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The Return of Depression Economics and Crisis of 2008- Paul KrugmanPaul Krugman has been one of most prolific commentators on economics. His insights into liquidity traps and Keynesian economics have stood up well against recent events. |
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Crisis Economics: A Crash Courseby Nouriel RoubiniA look at why crisis repeatedly occur in Capitalism and what can be done to prevent them occurring again. |
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Keynes – The Return of the Masterby Robert SkidelskyThe great recession of 2008-2011 has seen a resurgence of interest in the teaching of J.M.Keynes who advocated government intervention to overcome recession and high unemployment. A good background to this essential branch of economics.
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Capitalism and Freedom by Milton FriedmanMilton Friedman provides the classic defence of free markets, capitalism and libertarian economics. One of most controversial economists but very lucid and entertaining writer. |
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The Worldly Philosophersby Robert L HeilbronerA brief overview of all main thinkers who have contributed to the science of economics – from Karl Marx to Milton Friedman and Adam Smith. |
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Whoops!: Why everyone owes everyone and no one can payJohn LanchesterA look at why we are in so much debt and the prospects we face. |
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Who Runs Britain?: And Who’s to Blame for the Economic Mess We’re in- Robert PestonRobert Peston rose to prominence during the Northern Rock bailout. He is one of the most passionate and keenest writers on the state of Britain and the financial crisis. |
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Economics in One LessonH Hazlitt (Author)A primer to the key concepts in economics. Written from very much a free market perspective. |
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Debunking Economics The Naked Emperor Dethroned?by Steve KeenIn the light of recent events, this shows the failings of economic theory. |
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Economics for Everyone: A Short Guide to the Economics of Capitalism [Paperback] Jim Stanford (Author)Another critique of capitalism and free market economics. |
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Economics For Dummieshelps you see how your personal financial picture is influenced by the larger economic picture.
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Naked Economics by Charles Wheelen.Look at things such as, why the Fed raises interest rates. Making economics applicable to everyday life. General interest, little theory.
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Basic Economics by Thomas SowellA look at how societies create and distribute wealth.
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Essentials of Economics by Paul Krugman, Robin Wells and M.Olney.A good and very comprehensive theoretical background to economics.
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Freakononomics by Steven D.Levitt and S. Dubner.Very popular best selling book, which has helped to make economics cool. Looking at the principles of economics in everyday life. |
Very nice list, personally in my 3rd year of college. I have actually read a couple of these, big help in one of my classes on economics.