Basic Economics

The bestselling citizen's guide to economics

Basic Economics is a citizen's guide to economics, written for those who want to understand how the economy works but have no interest in jargon or equations. Bestselling economist Thomas Sowell explains the general principles underlying different economic systems: capitalist, socialist, feudal, and so on. In readable language, he shows how to critique economic policies in terms of the incentives they create, rather than the goals they proclaim. With clear explanations of the entire field, from rent control and the rise and fall of businesses to the international balance of payments, this is the first book for anyone who wishes to understand how the economy functions.

This fifth edition includes a new chapter explaining the reasons for large differences of wealth and income between nations.

Drawing on lively examples from around the world and from centuries of history, Sowell explains basic economic principles for the general public in plain English.

• Economic Facts and Fallacies, 2nd edition
• Discrimination and Disparities
• Black Rednecks and White Liberals
• Economics in One Lesson: The Shortest and Surest Way to Understand Basic Economics
• Wealth, Poverty and Politics
• Trickle Down Theory and Tax Cuts for the Rich
• Capitalism and Freedom: Fortieth Anniversary Edition
• A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles
• Free to Choose: A Personal Statement
• The Quest for Cosmic Justice