Gross domestic product, business cycles, Consumer Price Index, prime rate, terms we read in the newspapers but possibly don't fully comprehend. With humor, clarity, and a deft touch for simplifying complex ideas, Jacob De Rooy explains the basic concepts of economics in language anyone can understand. Written in accessible question-and-answer format, and divided into 26 concise articles, the book can be used in two ways: read straight through as a short course in economics, or dipped into as a reference work. Throughout the text, anecdotal examples illustrate economic ideas in real-life terms. For anyone involved in the world of business, Economic Literacy will be an invaluable companion.
De Rooy easy to read commentary is simplistic yet thorough. I own the Idiot's Guide to Economics and Economics for Dummies, but these books do not compare with with Economic Literacy. I strongly urge this as a buy for anyone who wants to learn about the fascinating world of $$$.
simply the best book one can find on economics
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
I am a techy and joined workforce in 2000. I started sensing the bubble and the bust and was really insecure about what the world and job market would look like once all this is over. Realized I need to learn something about economics which until then I thought was a boring dry bunch of theories of no use. Well this book changed my life, I joined MBA and got a whole new perspective towards life. A must read for any novice.
Excellent for those who've never read an economics textbook
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
I read this book right after ploughing through Mankiw's economics textbooks, and must say that "Economic Literacy" is an excellent book for illiterates on the subject of economics. There is no abstract and counter-intuitive math, and De Rooy covers most of the subjects found in the econ textbook that I read. One of the best aspects of this book is that the author will clarify econ concepts by giving simple, concrete examples of how said concepts work. Another usefull aspect of this book is that subtitles are in question form (Is inflation always linked to economic growth? Do wage rates influence employment? How does the Fed keep the banking system healthy?), allowing one to use the book as a quick reference if necessary. Overall, I think this is an excellent book as a standalone if one wants to learn about economics in general, knowledgeable terms. For the econ student, it may be helpful as an aid when the going gets rough (though, generally, study groups and visiting hours are much more effective...depending)
Oustanding Intro to Economics
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
This book is a great intro to the fundamentals of economics. TDr Rooy has lucidly in a simple question answer format described a myriad of topics that make sense to the causal reader.Chapters 5,6,7 were so much fun that I could hardly put the book down. Mind u that I never really did any course work in Economics, I am a computer science graduate.I really loved the book. I thoroughly recommend it to an economics novice.
Excellent book!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
If you know nothing about economics, this is the best book to start with. It's easy to read and contains many real life examples. Having studied Economics in university, I still find this book fascinating due to its simplicity. A must have!
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