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The Accidental Theorist: And Other Dispatches from the Dismal Science (Penguin Business Library)
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Amazon.co.uk Review
When economics and ideology mix, the results often sound plausible, but in fact can be terribly wrong and lead to ill-conceived and sometimes dangerous economic policy. For several years, Paul Krugman, author of The Accidental Theorist and one of the most celebrated economists of the 1990s, has been punching holes in fashionable ideas such as the logic of supply-side economics and the evils of globalisation. The Accidental Theorist is a collection of Krugman's best published and unpublished essays that cover everything from the Asian financial crisis to inflation in America.
Krugman's cause is neither left or right; rather it's the pursuit of clear thinking about economics that's unfettered by ideology. He writes, "But we should never be surprised when prominent people say foolish things about economics. The history of economic doctrines teaches us that the influence of an idea may have nothing to do with its quality--that an ideology can attract a devoted following, even come to control the corridors of power, without a shred of logic or evidence in its favor".
If you've read and enjoyed Krugman's regular column for Slate, "The Dismal Science", or have admired his work in the New York Times, The Washington Monthly, and Foreign Affairs, you'll find that the The Accidental Theorist is a must-read. The essays in this book reflect a clairvoyant and playful mind that is patient enough to unravel and simplify--not dumb down--the arcane and lofty ideas of economics to something that the rest of us can understand. Highly recommended. --Harry C. Edwards, Amazon.com
Customer Reviews:
Economics Written for Non-Economists
As the title suggests, this is a simple read, but dont get discouraged if you have conquered those formulas of Foreign Exchange Markets or studied those depressing Classical Economists, because this book is a fun read.
The book is a collection of columns and articles he has written over the years (not in boring economic journals filled with equations). The book is a fast read, and I recommend it to anyone, no matter the depth of their economic knowledge.
-Student in Scotland
Sheer Brilliance
This is the first of Paul Krugman's books that I have read, and it certainly won't be the last. His general style is both persuading and entertaining. The insights into the flaws of supply-side economics, and his reasoning why such theories continue to be proposed because of their high-profile, rich funders, are simply common sense, but still can inspire the reader.
A fantastic read
Krugman manages to make economics enjoyable. He has rekindled my desire to become more knowledgeable about current affairs and economic issues. An easy and pleasurable read. Highly recomended for students of economics or those like me, with just a curiosity on the subject.
Fantastic!!!!!!
This collection of essays is the perfect introduction to economics for any non-specialist. It explains the subject in a way that keeps it fresh, which is so rare. Speaking form the viewpoint of a final year undergrad in the subject, I can certainly say that it has helped me "keep the faith" since it reminds us what the point of our study is, to enlighten rather than to obscure. Simply fantastic!
Theorist with the common touch 
As someone new to Krugman's writing, I was enthused by his ability to explain complex ideas and economic policy dilemmas with such a sure touch and accessible style.
The mini essays that form the core of this book range widely in scope. From his much used story of the Congress Hill Baby-Sitting Co-op to a candid assessment of the political realities of controlling car congestion and providing health care, Krugman sets out to de-mystify some of the jargon of economics and lambasts supply-side economists in fine style.
Krugman should be read by all aspiring university economic students and I will be recommending this book to my own students for their A Level courses.
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