Pocket Economist

Economics is the ???study of how society uses its scarce resources" or, more snappily, the "science of choices" that helps people make decisions about how to use such scarce things as land, labour, raw materials, capital, entrepreneurial spirit and time. An understanding of economics can therefore help people in politics and public service, in management or finance, and even in their private life make decisions that will produce the results they are seeking to achieve. Pocket Economist is a clear, concise and lively guide to economic theory and how it works in practice. It starts with an essay that explains what economics is and outlines the challenges for economists in a fast changing world. Following this, and comprising the bulk of the book is an extensive A-Z of economic terms and jargon, and famous economists and economic theories, from Absolute advantage and Animal Spirits, through Hayek and Hypothecation, Keynes and Kleptocracy, to Velocity of circulation and Zero-sum game. For anyone who wants a better understanding of this far from dismal science that has such a powerful influence on world affairs, business success and standards of living, there is no more handy or accessible guide. This pocket series brings the clarity for which The Economist is famous to the complex subjects that those in business, finance or the professions need to understand. Designed to be easy to dip into, full of hard facts and insight, and liberally spiced with irreverence, the books are intended to amuse and entertain as well as inform. Contents: Introduction ??? The joy of economics ??? A-Z About the author: Matthew Bishop is a specialist writer on economics and business for The Economist Target Audience: Economists, management professionals.