A Pelican Introduction Economics: A User's Guide

Ha-joon Changs "Economics: The User's Guide" is the first title in the newly resurrected Pelican imprint. Chang himself is best described as a heterodox economist, firmly outside the mainstream where neoclassical economics (not to mention neoliberalism) is the reigning creed. But given the multiple failings of orthodox economics the heterodox Chang with his cheerful style, wide learning and a clear and concise authorial voice make him the ideal candidate for writing an introductory book on economics. He doesn't dissapoint.

The book itself is divided into twelve chapters exploring a range of economic issues including asking what exactly economics is, exploring the role of the state, inequality and poverty, work and unemployment, finance and production. Sixty odd pages are devoted a brief history of capitalism, giving the reader a pretty good understanding of two and a half centuries of capitalisms global progress.

It's a brilliant introduction for those who have encountered the economy watching the news, through history or political books, and want to find out what this vitaly important aspect of our lives is about. The further reading guides at the end of each chapter are a valuable resource for those whose interests have been aroused. More seasoned students of economics should find the scope of the book (both intellectually and geographically), and it's easy and succinct style ample reward for the effort spent reading. One quibble I have: important terms (privitisation, capital controls, etc) are printed in bold at the point in the text where they are explained, but the index of the defined terms that ought to be there, allowing easy reference to the definitions, is absent.

This is a book which along with his [[ASIN:0141047976 23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism]] and [[ASIN:1905211376 Bad Samaritans]] I'd strongly recommend reading, not least because (as Chang himself notes) a widespread knowledge of economics is essential to understanding our societies and democraticising our political life.

This is the best possible introduction to economics I have come across and I have been studying economics and practicing it for 50 years. I especially like the fact that he gives a brief outline of modern economic history, grounding the book in reality. I also like that he summarized 9 different fundamental approaches to economics so breaking the grip of current orthodoxy. He suggests what each approach (Neo Classical, Keynesian, Austrian, Institutional, Behavioral, Schumpeterian etc is useful for and what its limitations are. Once you know there is more than one economics you gain immediately in ability to navigate the subject. He does what he says: teaches you how to think about economics not what to think. Also this is brilliantly written and very gripping. I give it to anyone of my friend's children who go to university to study the subject. This is actually a gift copy for one of them,

In less than 500 pages, Chang is able to illustrate why economics is always inseparable from politics. Economics is never a science but really perspectives and ways of seeing the economic world. Decidedly it is not an encompassing discipline that can explain all kinds of human behavior. We are after all not homo economicus and are not impeccably rational at all times. Chang shows convincingly that no single economic theory is either totally complete or completely accurate. In particular, the Neoclassical view is dissected in great depth and its myriad myths debunked skilfully with fairness, evidence and humanity. The importance of the Developmentalist view is expounded and ills of wanton deregulation explained very clearly. Real life examples are used so the prose is never dry. Any reader with a slight interest in the topic will benefit from this book as it crystallizes otherwise unnecessarily murky concepts. Five stars.

The book did not appeal to me - expected a clearer intro to economics.

An excellent read in economic theories and how they apply to the real world (and how they don't). This book takes its reader through the history of capitalism, gives a brief overview of the strengths and weaknesses of many economic schools, and informs the reader on real world problems and how they affect the world at large.

The most impressive thing about this book to me is how balanced it is with its different economic views. After reading this, I never would have guessed which economic school the author subscribed to the most (although, I can guess it isn't the neoclassical school ;) )

Well written introduction to economic thoughts beyond the trap of neo classical ideas.

OK.

Great book for anyone wanting a more realistic explanation of basic economics than what is typically provided. Great complement to any intro economics course.

A clear guide to economics

It is so good to understand the Economics ecenter to novice on Economics.