50 Economics Ideas You Really Need to Know

This is a good explanation of basic ideas in economics. It is balanced without leaning too far to either the left or right, which can be a problem with other introductions to economics because the the authors often have an ideological ax to grind. The one downside is that the format lends itself to presenting ideas in isolation. The author does reference other sections, but the reader does not get a narrative that holds everything together.

This is a fantastic read and superb addition to the 50 ideas series by Quercus. Edmund Conway does a masterful job in articulating some of the more complex and confusing subjects in a clear and concise manner. Far too often I find economists flatter to deceive with complex explanations that send the reader on a merry go round of associations and links, such that they finish up more confused than when they started. This book does a wonderful job of taking the reader through core economics principals with a healthy balance of anecdotes, quotations from key thinkers and in some cases amusing anecdotes. I have been a professional in finance for almost 10years, and whilst the book is certainly aimed at those with less experience, I still found it highly informative and thought-provoking.