“I recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain an understanding of basic economics with little pain and much pleasure.” —Gary Becker, 1992 Nobel Prize winner in Economics “Explains our global economy in a way that is (gasp!) actually entertaining.”—Book Magazine Finally! A book about economics that won’t put you to sleep. In fact, you won’t be able to put this bestseller down. In our challenging economic climate, this perennial favorite of students and general readers is more than a good read, it’s a necessary investment—with a blessedly sure rate of return. Demystifying buzzwords, laying bare the truths behind oft-quoted numbers, and answering the questions you were always too embarrassed to ask, the breezy Naked Economics gives readers the tools they need to engage with pleasure and confidence in the deeply relevant, not so dismal science. This revised and updated edition adds commentary on hot topics, including the current economic crisis, globalization, the economics of information, the intersection of economics and politics, and the history—and future—of the Federal Reserve. CONTENTS 1. The Power of Markets: Who feeds Paris? 2. Incentives Matter: Why you might be able to save your face by cutting off your nose (if you are a black rhinoceros> 3. Government and the Economy: Government is your friend (and a round of applause for all those lawyers> 4. Government and the Economy II: The army was lucky to set that screwdriver for S500 5. Economics of Information: McDonald’s didn't create a better hamburger 6. Productivity and Human Capital: Why is Bill Gates so much richer than you are? 7. Financial Markets: What economics can tell us about setting rich quick (and losing weight, too!) 8. The Power of Organized Interests: What economics can tell us about politics 9. Keeping Score: Is my economy bigger than vow economy? 10. The Federal Reserve: Why that dollar in your pocket is more than just a piece of paver 11. International Economics: How did a nice country like Iceland so bust? 12. Trade and Globalization: The good news about Asian sweatshops 13. Development Economics: The wealth and poverty of nations
