A lively, inviting account of the history of economics, told through events from ancient to modern times and through the ideas of great thinkers in the field

Although I think this book might have been improved, I still give it high marks. After all, the author of a short book is forced to make choices that not everyone will favor. And Kishtainy’s choices could be defended. The purpose is to give a brief, historical perspective to readers who are laypersons in the subject of economics. Kishtainy has written a book that should hold the interest of his audience and leave them the better for having read it. Hopefully, this book will encourage some to read at greater depth. Over the past two years, the Western world has seen a growing interest in protectionism. Donald Trump rode a wave of anti-trade rhetoric to a presidential victory, while anti-globalisation discourse dominated the lead-up to the French election. Meanwhile, the UK is negotiating the terms of its exit from the European Union. In A Little History of Economics , Niall Kishtainy details the complex trajectory of economics from ancient Greece to the present, drawing on a wealth of historical knowledge, illuminating anecdotes and examples as well as imaginative metaphors to trace the evolution of economic thinking. But, asks Madeline McSherry , where are the women in this history?why the renegotiated relationship between the Soviet government and economy led to the death of millions; and

This book is an intellectual treasure trove for anyone interested in history, big ideas, and the role that economic thinking has played in both for more than 2000 years."—Charles Wheelan, author of Naked Economics A pleasurable and easy way to become familiar with important economic ideas such as comparative advantage, unemployment, aggregate demand, inflation, and income inequality."— Foreign Affairs Enters this book and it has such a great structure to start an economics journey. Each chapter has a very narrative, intriguing name, a couple of interesting characters who lead the topic and ALWAYS a narrative introduction. Outstanding. Indeed a little history/story of Economics. What causes poverty? Are economic crises inevitable under capitalism? Is government intervention in an economy a helpful approach or a disastrous idea? The answers to such basic economic questions matter to everyone, yet the unfamiliar jargon and math of economics can seem daunting. This clear, accessible, and even humorous book is ideal for young readers new to economics and for all readers who seek a better understanding of the full sweep of economic history and ideas. Economic historian Niall Kishtainy organizes short, chronological chapters that center on big ideas and events. He recounts the contributions of key thinkers including Adam Smith, David Ricardo, Karl Marx, John Maynard Keynes, and others, while examining topics ranging from the invention of money and the rise of agrarianism to the Great Depression, entrepreneurship, environmental destruction, inequality, and behavioral economics. The result is a uniquely enjoyable volume that succeeds in illuminating the economic ideas and forces that shape our world. A lively, inviting account of the history of economics, told through events from ancient to modern times and the ideas of great thinkers in the field.In medieval times, religion and personal relationships ruled economic life. Mercantilism was a harbinger of change, a pivot to the industrial age in which money would take precedence. Highly readable. . . . A whistle-stop introduction to the great works and thinkers of each age, this is a clear and accessible primer.”—Laura Garmeson, Financial Times This book spends about 20% of it's time on economics theories before the 1800's and follows that with 7.5 hours of explaining economists from the industrial age and their theories.