Introduction to Economic Growth

This book delivers on its promise of being a textbook on economic growth theory for undergraduates. It is not easy (as economic growth is not), but it is definitely within the grasp of economics undergraduate with knowledge of basic economic principles. It also provides sufficient advance material in the second half of the book to stimulate further study into economic growth. However, beware that this is not a book about policy prescriptions for economic growth, it is about the theoretical framework to understand it (necessary, but not sufficient for policy prescriptions).

This is a excellent book about the economic growth theory. I've read excellent books as "Economic Growth" by R. Barro, "Advanced Macroeconomics" by David Romer and "Endogenous Growth Theory" by Philippe Aghion, the principal problem is the level, if you don't have notions about economic growth theory, you'll have problems to understand. Charles I. Jones wrote a excellent introduction about all the modern economic growth theory. I recommend this book amply.

Since most intermediate-level macroeconomics textbooks - probably because of lack of space - usually decide to devote no more than a chapter or two to what is often considered to be the most important topic in economics, Jones' book serves as a very neat introduction to the field. Obviously, noone should expect to see the rigour one can find in advanced treatments, but - without doubt - it is easier to jump to advanced treatments if you see the intuitive explanation first. I could say this is one of the best textbooks I had a chance to read.

It is a perfect book for students who want to get started in growth theory. It combines basic maths with useful graphs. It is selective, it has a direction and it really gets the reader more and more interested as progress is made. Undoubtly, Prof. Charles Jones has the gift of teaching, as the key concepts are conveyed clearly to the reader. Actually, if that was the aim of the book, it clearly succeeded.

Professor Jones' book is an excellent read. No doubt it is a bit slow for someone who knows mathematics but those who need a good introduction and want to get an insight into the problems of growth will find this book very useful. Ones mathematical skills can be used afterwrads to make a good progress. Jones did a very useful job and brought this technical subject within the reach of the undergraduate students.