Book Description

Written in an informal colloquial style, this student-friendly principles of economics textbook does not sacrifice intellectual depth in its quest for accessibility.The author's primary concern is to instill "economic sensibility" in the student.Colander emphasizes the intellectual and historical context to which the economic models are applied. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Worst Intro Econ Book in the World!!!
First of all, this is really a poor text for students who are taking Intro Macro course. That guy doesnt explain and clarify those concepts well, and his examples are ambigious and annoying as well! To a college student, a concise text is more appreciated than a massive one, which contains many unnecessary sentences. Plus, his writing is so poor! He just wants to make it interesting, instead is really dry!
I am so mad about my Econ prof who chose to use this text, Mankiw's Econ books are more preferable!

Relatively easy read
For a textbook, I found this book to be entertaining. Not only was the reading easier than most texts, the real world examples were great and really helped to solidify the concepts.

Dreary snooze fest
If you cannot sleep at night, here is the sleeping pill you were looking for. Besides its dreary nature - one who struggles with concepts as they relate to graphing will certainly be frustrated. ... Read more

Book Description

ESSENTIALS OF ECONOMICS, SECOND EDITION offers students a lively, back-to-the-basics approach designed to take the intimidation out of economics. With its short, self-contained learning units and its carefully chosen pedagogy, graphs, and photos, this text will help students? master and retain the principles of economics. In addition, the current events focus and modular format of presenting information makes Essentials of Economics a very student-accessible and user-friendly text.Driven by his over 20 years of experience teaching the economics principles course, Bob Sexton?s dedication and enthusiasm shines through in ESSENTIALS OF ECONOMICS. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A real worry or a real screed?
While Florida presents some ideas to think about, what he omits is more telling about his orientation.For example, there are no entries in the index for 'Income Tax', or 'Tax Slavery'.Florida is clearly a fan of letting big and bigger government make our personal choices for us, which contradicts the basis for the book.For example, despite the failures of Big Education, the solution is bigger government education.

Why should a creative person stay in the US when he can work just as easily elsewhere?Or worse, if he is a bright foreign student, why should he allow himself to become entangled by our draconian tax system when he can work in a country that exempts or lightly taxes a foreign worker?A person with any savvy, which creative people are known to have, will quickly find out that once entangled in our system by a Green Card or citizenship, the US retains the right to tax the victim for up to 10 years after they leave, and to add to the insult through tax treaties, the US can enforce its tax and reporting laws on him no matter where he moves away to.

Of course Florida needs all the tax revenue he can muster so he afford to pay for the solutions he pushes in his book.

Florida, during an interview today on NPR said he didn't think wages were important in helping creative people to stay in the US.As silly as that idea is, it tells us what motivates him more than what he thinks motivates the Creative Class.Greedy members of the Creative Class hope to become well known, to sell lots of products, to make money giving speeches, to sell lots of books, for lots of people to buy tickets to see their movies and to have people pay for lots of downloads of their music.

It doesn't generally take very long before real Creative Class members realize that how much the get to call their own after government gets its due is really important.Why give government a lot when you can give it a little?Why live where government can claim a lot?That is the real issue about the flight of the Creative Class or more properly how many people are just not allowing themselves to become subject to US taxation and law to begin with.

This is just as true for the mass exodus from states like New York with high income taxs to states like Florida which have no income tax as it is about decisions about which country to live in.

It is for this reason I would caution browsers that this book is more of a projection of Florida's demands for social policy and how he would shape a secular uptopia than an expression of true hope and suggestions to improve the US.Look for his theme to become yet another popular way the left shows how it disapproves of the present administration.

This book makes an interesting browse, but little else.

Interesting Details, but Misplaced Emphasis
Professor Florida's thesis is that the highly educated are most responsible for success in the new global economy. Thus, our growing intolerance of those from overseas (due to 9/11, and upsetness over foreigners gitting visas to come take jobs away from eg. American programmers and engineers), and an educational system that rarely (if ever) compares well internationally are responsible for diminishing our likelihood of success. The result, per Florida, is our most serious long-term threat.

The "real problem," however, is that China, India, Pakistan, etc. vastly outnumber Americans, and their citizens are willing to work for much lower wages. This then gives them a strong, sustainable competitive advantage vs. the U.S. that is much more serious than Florida's concerns - and not capable of being overcome by improving America's education or relaxing our entrance and employment restrictions on foreigners.

Florida also fails to take into account the enormous economic contributions by Richard Branson, Michael Dell, Larry Ellison, Henry Ford, Bill Gates, and Steve Jobs - all failed to graduate from college. And then there's President Truman. The contributions of these individuals directly contradict the professor's thesis.

Still another problem not referenced by Florida is the U.S. government's limitations on stem-cell research - a potentially very important area for future industry.

Thus, Florida's prescriptions are overly simplistic and would simply waste time and money. Education reform, while highly desireable, has been tried for 30+ years, and has yet to make much headway because it has failed so far to provide enough focus on the home environment. And bringing in more talented immigrants simply adds to the unemployment and discouragement of those thereby displaced here. America must recognize and deal with the "real problem."

Just the opposite that is true.
This is an interesting book, but its basic premise is directionally completely flawed.He truly believes that because of rising inequality in the U.S. and other factors, the "creative class" will pack its bags and go overseas to places like Western Europe with a more equalitarian society.

Just the opposite is true.Within all societies there is always a tension between equality and opportunity.The U.S. is the one society the most tilted towards opportunity.This means it is the one with typically one of the lowest tax rates on businesses and corporations, least bureaucratic red tape, and resulting best business climate for entrepreneurship. On the dark side, the U.S. has one of the weakest safety net in terms of social benefits within industrialized societies.That's the price to pay as a society for low tax rates on businesses.An equalitarian society such as Western Europe is just at the opposite extreme on this equality vs opportunity axis.There you have an abundant safety net of all kinds.Heck, you are really better off being unemployed than working.Sounds like paradise for some of us.But, not really as this whole European utopia translates into staggeringly high tax rates, extensive red tape and regulations, Zippo entrepreneurship.

In view of the above, the U.S. is actually a world magnet for the "creative" types.Why?It is because where they have the best opportunity of making the big bucks. There is also more venture capital available here to anyone with a brilliant idea then in probably the entire remainder of the World. This is true for a simple reason.The concept of venture capital hardly exist in many other developed countries.

Even idealistic types who are not in it just for the money, often end up emigrating to the U.S. for networking extensively with the U.S. creative intelligentsia.A case in point is Linus Torvalds, the Finnish who invented the Linux operating system.He could have been nearly as rich as Bill Gates if he had wanted to.However, his maverick business model is based on a brilliant but free operating system (Linux). As a result, he is no billionaire.Nevertheless, where does he live today? Helsinki not!He lives in Portland.Simply put, the U.S. despite all of Florida's criticism, is still one of the most free-wheeling, dealing society in the World. The IT infrastructure, and the resulting IT human capital is second to none.And, for Torvald, if he wanted to remain actively engaged in the game of changing the World as he saw it through enlightened technology, he had no recourse but move to the U.S. to achieve what he wanted to do.Let's take the reverse example:what do you think is the chance of Bill Gates, Steve jobs, Larry Ellison moving to Helsinki any time soon because Finland has a more equalitarian society?Well, the question is the answer.It is not happening.

So, just count all the Bill Gates who are moving to Munich, Marseilles, London, Stockholm or Helsinki vs all the Linus Torvalds who are moving to the U.S. and you very quickly debunked Florida's thesis.

Read this book!
I've found the negative reviews to be perplexing- such vitriolic diatribes and very little critical thought evident- I wonder if the book was actually read by these reviewers. This is a really good book that deserves to be read and discussed. Florida doesn't pretend to have all of the answers. People with pulses and a modicum of creativity seem to understand the premises he puts forth. For those looking to blame someone, anyone, for the economic equity gap evident in this country, Florida is an easy target. Folks, don't kill the messenger, he may have something to teach you. The cultural insularity and puritanical values perpetuated in current public policy have long term consequences. Wake up!

God Bless you, creatives...
Ah yes, the latest salvo from Dr. Florida in his crusade to describe the DWELL magazination of America, and why you should be gratefulfor these John Galts wieldinggood design, live music, childless households, and a mastabatory fixation on their salutary attributes of creativity.

Responsible for emboldening, through shameless pandering, a whole generation of fundamentally mediocre college graduates and professionals that only the most edgy zip codes (never gentrified) where you can walk for blocks without fear of seeing a TGIFriday's are acceptable.Propped up with the disposable incomes (earned predominantly in the soulless windblown, tract-housing, strip mall hell of America) from their parents they are free to marvel at Portland's light rail system, "funky" boutiques, and mediate on their own amazing potential to create and experience life the way it was meant to be lived.

Now, our national security is at risk because nations are investing heavily in "a creative society with ecological sustainability and social inclusion" (Never you mind that these global hipster enclaves are in countries getting a free ride on our defense budgets and standing armies and not burdened with the pesky job of previously defeating communism or radical Islam a la Paul Berman.)That, and because Peter Jackson and Jack Black are filming `King Kong' in New Zealand, we face the greatest threat of our generation.

Sadly, I herald from a Pittsburgh- one of those towns hopefully you are "fortunate enough to migrate from"- heck Mr. Florida did. Apparently, our grey, little lives don't count until we liberate ourselves and fully embrace tasteful, sustainable, prefab housing.

This is the `Atkins Diet' of social science.Not completely without value, but ultimately, counting `carbs' or creatives just gets to bee too annoying and unfulfilling. ... Read more

Book Description

The remarkable story of the Renaissance's preeminent financiers.

Their name is a byword for immense wealth and power, but before their renown as art patrons and noblemen the Medicis built their fortune on banking—specifically, on lending money at interest. Banking in the fifteenth century, even at the height of the Renaissance, meant running afoul of the Catholic Church's prohibition against usury. It required more than merely financial skills to make a profit, and the legendary Medicis—most famously Cosimo and Lorenzo ("the Magnificent")—were masterly in wielding the political, diplomatic, military, and even metaphysical tools that were needed to maintain their family's position.

In this brisk and witty narrative, Tim Parks uncovers the intrigues, dodges, and moral qualities that gave the Medicis their edge. Vividly evoking the richness of the Florentine Renaissance and the Medicis' glittering circle, replete with artists, popes, and kings, Medici Money is a brilliant look into the origins of modern banking and its troubled relationship with art and religion. 14 illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An Engaging Read
I've only read two of Tim Parks books: "Italian Neighbors" and "Italian Education". I loved both of them. I like his nonchalant style which takes the reader right to the point.
"Medici Money" was a good surprise. I had never read anything about the most famous family in Florence, so this book was a good introduction to the fortunes and misfortunes of the power and money hungry Medicis. Because I don't have a background in economics, some parts were a little more difficult to grasp for me, but otherwise it was a witty account of the Medici's bank rise and fall. I only wished it had more on the metaphysics aspect of Renaissance life and how it related to banking. I also think the book would benefit if it had more illustrations and a better genealogy table (some dates were different from the text). Overall it was a pleasant and informative read. I specially liked his suggestions in the bibliography. In sum, I enjoyed the book very much and if you're interested in learning a bit more about Renaissance and the Medici, it's a good start. ... Read more

Book Description

Basic Economics has been written with the thought that learning economics should be not only a relaxed experience, but also an enjoyable one.

This is the revised and enlarged edition of a new kind of introduction to economics for the general public-without graphs, statistics, or jargon. In addition to being updated, Basic Economics has also become more internationalized by including economic problems from more countries around the world, because the basic principles of economics are not confined by national borders. While most chapter titles remain the same, their contents have changed considerably, reflecting the experiences of many different peoples and cultures. ... Read more

Reviews (84)

If Liberal Politicians Would only Read and Heed this Book
Mr. Sowell begins this excellent textbook with British economist Lionel Robbins's classic definition: "Economics is the study of the use of scarce resources which have alternative uses."

Mr. Sowell then explains the economic theory of prices, industry and commerce, work and pay, time and risk, the national economy, the international economy, and concludes with popular economic fallacies. He accomplishes this without any graphs or equations to scare some people away.

The reader, no matter his educational level or political persuasion, must come away with one overpowering and disturbing conclusion and that is: When it comes to having the most rudimentary knowledge of economics, the vast majority of politicians and talking heads are either complete idiots or socialists who are still in denial.

This book allows anyone to analyze thorny and difficult economic issues in a relative simple manner by applying basic principles. It allows one to instantly recognize the ridiculousness of so many arguments that are continually put forth.

My only criticism of the book is that the publisher did a very poor job of editing. These errors should be corrected in subsequent printings and there should be many additional ones. This is one of those rare books that everyone should read and is certainly suitable for use as an elementary economics textbook in high school and college. I highly recommend it.

A Book Worth Reading
Economist Thomas Sowell has chastized his profession for not doing enough to teach basic economics to the lay public. The consequence has too often been an uncritical acceptance by voters of government policies that, in the long run, do more harm than good. Taking up his own challenge, Dr. Sowell has penned this remarkable book which teaches us about free markets using a clear narrative devoid of mathematical jargon. We learn that often the best way to grasp the importance of free market ideas is to view the consequences of violating them. He provides numerous examples from the former Soviet Union and India of sometimes comic, but most often tragic, outcomes when prices are not allowed to guide the allocation of scarce resources. Often, this has lead to needless misery for millions of people.

But, let's not be smug. America is hardly immune to economic folly. A public largely ignorant of economics does not understand why outcomes sometimes fall woefully short of expectations, and continues to allow politicians to promote flawed policies. For example, why does rent control ultimately make affordable housing less available for lower income families when its intended purpose is exactly the opposite? Why do minimum wage laws reduce the number of jobs available to the young and unskilled? Why can tariffs on imported goods lead to a net loss of jobs? And why did NAFTA fail to produce the "giant sucking sound" so widely anticipated? Professor Sowell will provide the answers.

Economics is not a subject that should be blissfully ignored. When voters allow politicians to establish government policies that run afoul of free market principles, the consequences for the country as a whole can be severe. Look no further than the Great Depression to see how misguided programs can make something bad even worse.

So, by all means, read "Basic Economics" for a wonderful introduction to an important subject. Maybe you will learn to use the ballot box more effectively and help provide a better standard of living for all. Not too bad for the price of one book.

Crazy world
This book is one of the most disingenuous and tendentious books I have read in some time. Coming from the UK I had never heard of Thomas Sowell: having read the book I now see that he is clearly a man with an axe to grind - and boy can he grind. In the crazy world of Thomas Sowell the real world behaves just like the text book world of general equilibrium theory. In this world prices serve only to clear markets (there is no information content); competition is 'perfect', and insofar as monopoly or oligopoly does exist - you guessed it - it's the Government's fault and can best be eliminated by - you guessed it again - the market. In the crazy world of Tommy everyone is rational (we're not - have you heard of behavioural economics Thomas?); everyone has perfect information (we don't, in fact that is the very reason we have brands); and, above all, there are no economic rents - in fact economic rent isn't even mentioned in the index presumably because all rents get competed away in Tommy's perfect market place. Of course, the great thing about economic rent is that it can be appropriated by workers, by Governments - or even by capitalists for that matter - without changing the economic incentives on anyone. Did you get that Tommy? This means that taxation can be re-distributive and that unions can bargain for higher pay, and that capitalists can earn super normal profits without affecting the efficiency of the economy as a whole. So the distribution of income turns out to be a political question as well as an economic question after all. There are many other deliberate distortions in this book too numerous to mention. Don't read it, above all don't buy it - otherwise I fear you will be guilty, like me, of the misallocation of scare resources for which there are alternative uses. Indeed, given that I think the calorific value of this book is higher than the education value, you know what the cast iron laws of economics require me to do with it...

A must read for any concerned citizen!
This book is an excellent introduction to basic economic concepts and how they play out in society. Sowell clearly explains how a free market economy should work and what goes wrong when politicians interfere in the name of compassion. Everyone who votes should read this book. Yes, Sowell is a conservative. But why should that matter? This book is about economics and Sowell is an economist. He only touches on politics in regards to political intervention in the free market economy and how its consequences are rarely the same as its intentions. Society as a whole would be so much better off if they understood basic economic prinicples--regardless of politcal affiliation.

One caveat, the original edition was in serious need of a editor. Hopefully this new edition has been proofed.

Capitalism 101
"Economics is a study of the allocation of scarce resources which have alternative uses." - p.1 (and many others)

"In a sense, it is unfair when some people are unable to earn as much as others with similar skills, diligence, and other virtues. Yet this unfairness to particular individuals is what makes the economy as a whole operate more efficiently for the benefit of vastly larger numbers of others." - p.20

"Incentives matter because most people will do more for their own benefit than for the benefit of others." - p.46

"Individual freedom, competition and prices add up to what is loosely called 'the market'". - p.308

Having taken no formal college courses in economics but wanting to brush up for graduate school (and my own edification) I purchased Thomas Sowell's "Basic Economics" and committed the foremost sin of all bookworms in judging a book by its cover, assuming from its title that it would solve all my needs. Well, it did and didn't. I want more economics! I had started at the very beginning with who else but Adam Smith and his revolutionary "Wealth of Nations". I didn't get too far before I realized that something more up to date and brief would probably be more enticing. Smith is historically vital, but his theories have been greatly improved upon over the past hundred years. For the most part I found Sowell's overview of economics easy to follow. He does an excellent job at breaking down supposedly "complex" economic concepts into the understandable nuts and bolts of a price-coordinated capitalist economy. In doing so he misses few opportunities to explain to us why our system works, and why others (notably the former Soviet Union's) didn't. There are many awkward moments when Sowell appears to be promoting a conservative, or perhaps a libertarian agenda, and this can be difficult for us "unconverted economic neophytes" to swallow, although in retrospect many of his arguments are obviously rooted in his unwavering enthusiasm for what sounds suspiciously like laissez faire economics. I was interested to read his grudging concession of certain specific duties to the government (such as the EPA, and the military for example) which would never form of themselves if left solely to the laws of supply and demand. In his chapter on "External Costs & Benefits" he begins by admitting that, "Economic decisions made through the marketplace are not always better than decisions that governments can make". Bravo!

I learned a lot from this book despite its all too frequent errors of punctuation, and very poor editing by Basic Books & Co. There's an anecdote referring to the Soviet Union on pgs. 43-44 for example, which is repeated verbatim in a footnote on pg. 75, re-used so as to illustrate two different points - efficiency indeed! This from the 2000 first edition (green cover), and so I imagine, and hope that the revised red cover edition corrects these sadly printed errors in punctuation and sentence structure. Also, I learned from this book in spite of Mr. Sowell himself. I think he tends to get in the way of his own arguments a little too often, and his book would have benefited had he made an effort to include more representative arguments on controversial political issues like rent control, unemployment/job creation, protectionism/tariffs, worker exploitation, minimum wage laws, job security, the enivironment, socialism, and so on. The weak representation of most of these important subjects makes it easy for Mr. Sowell to steam-roll with the invincible glory of his "Basic Economics". Most of the time he is convincing, but you'll need an open and diplomatic mindset to enjoy him. Otherwise, you'll definitely find his treatment of many subjects irritatingly simplistic and incomplete. Sowell himself points out in Chapter 22 on "Non-Economic Values" that, "Economics is not a value in and of itself. It is only a way of weighing one value against another" (p.305). Whether or not he adheres to this sentiment throughout his book is debatable.

Nevertheless, "Basic Economics: A Citizens Guide to the Economy" should be more widely read, and ought to be rated here with four or five stars based on its instructive value alone. Regardless of political beliefs, you'll learn about fundamental economic concepts such as costs, prices, surplusses/shortages, supply/demand, inflation/deflation, incremental trade-offs, incentives, and ultimately, you'll come away from "Basic Economics" having learned "...the tools for evaluating policies and proposals in terms of [their] logical implications and empirical evidence."

In addition to this book, I've also purchased Charles Wheelan's, "Naked Economics" which professes to accomplish exactly what Mr. Sowell set out to do (basics with no graphs or charts), but supposedly does so in a more "even-handed manner" according to Amazon reviewers. And for the "other side" there is always Marx's "Communist Manifesto" or "Das Capital", and "Socialist Thought - A Documentary History" edited by Albert Fried & Ronald Sanders. ... Read more

Book Description

This book's dynamic portrayal of international business (cross-functional and integrated in approach) makes its content lively, topical, and enjoyable. It includes examples of companies from around the world in order to provide an unbiased, global perspective on business. Clear, straightforward explanations of challenging material are supported by informative illustrations that give readers easy access to this subject.Chapter topics include culture in business, politics and law in business, business in other economies, international trade, foreign direct investment, international financial markets and monetary system, acquiring business resources, and managing the international business.For anyone who wants to understand international business—and fully appreciate how business is conducted today. ... Read more

Book Description

In the ever-changing world of complex international rules, laws, regulations, and customs, even seasoned export/import professionalsmay find themselves in unfamiliar situations.

Export/Import Procedures and Documentation puts reliable solutions to problems like wrong documents and procedural misunderstandings right atreaders' fingertips. This comprehensive answer book supplies ready-to-use forms and provides a clear view of the entire export/import process. This newedition has been thoroughly revised to include:

* New Shipper's Export Declaration forms and instructions * U.S. Customs Service "Reasonable Care" checklists * New Automated Export System (AES) procedures and documentation * Updated Customs Audit Questionnaires.

Also featured are 37 updated forms as well as 12 all-new forms, a section on e-commerce in international marketing, Websites for 94 export and importagencies and information sources, and listings for export and import software. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An outstanding practical reference for active exporters.
Our copy of this book is being used constantly by our consulting staff. It covers the complicated process of shipping products to foreign markets. We recommend it to our clients, especially those who handle their own international shipping, insurance and payment processing. John R. Jagoe, Director, Export Institute. ... Read more

Book Description

This book presents readers with non-academic, real-world approaches to process improvement using the CMMI. The author provides concepts and techniques for CMMI-based process improvement which are as effective as they are innovative. Professionals at all levels - from system engineers to CEOs - will find a wealth of practical guidance and new ways to look at model-based process improvement that have already benefited large and small organizations in a variety of environments. Using plain language and enlightening illustrations, the author identifies the most critical concepts of the CMMI, and how to turn those concepts into real process improvement.This book provides readers with key information that will significantly benefit all CMMI process improvement efforts including:"How to discover and understand the business goals and drivers for a successful process improvement initiative"An understanding of the structures and practices many organizations already have in place that can accelerate process improvement, even before they begin using the CMMI"Planning and managing the process improvement project"Innovative, untraditional yet highly effective and proven strategies for CMMI-based process improvement"A thorough debunking of many of the costly and wasteful myths surrounding CMMI-based improvement ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Gutsy and Honest approach to Process Improvement!
Finally, a refreshingly honest approach to CMMI and process improvement. Michael has an uncanny ability to see into the heart of organizational psychology and points out the real reasons for attempting any improvement or organizational change. He strips away the hype surrounding CMMI and focuses on what's really important...obtaining results and improving the bottom line. It might be considered contrarian or even heretical by those making a living by selling CMMI, but I call it practical, gutsy and honest. A must read by any organization considering change regardless of the model chosen.

Unexpected gem - read before leaping!
If you're expecting a book that shows how to implement the CMMI, or even one that gushes about its benefits you're in for a surprise. Yes, this book does show how to achieve process improvement by using the CMMI as a model, but it differs greatly from the recipe approaches of similar books that will have you marching over a cliff instead of improving your organization. The author does this by uncovering fallacies and the blind paths the CMMI (or any process improvement initiative) represents.

Here's what to expect from this book, and why you should read it cover-to-cover before embarking on a CMMI implementation or other process improvement initiative. How to spot and avoid common pitfalls such as:

- focusing on the process instead of the benefits, which of course, can be counterproductive when the process itself is applied blindly and without regard for real efficiency.

- avoiding the 'when all you have is a hammer everything looks like a nail' effect; i.e., attempting to apply the CMMI to everything

- mis-diagnosing problems with the process and applying the wrong solution; for example, scope creep in a project causes a reaction that often results in claims that the requirements management process is broken when the real problem is a lack of discipline or standards (not the same as a process)

Besides showing what does not work, and forcing you to look at your real goals before embarking on a CMMI implementation or process improvement initiative, the author leads you through a realistic appraisal of your goals and objectives, and shows you how to accomplish them. He is a strong proponent of using a systems view, and shows how to apply systems thinking principles to achieving your goals and objectives. This is the real value of this book, and why it's a sanity check for any organization that is about to embark on any improvement initiative.

Of course, if you are going to implement the CMMI, in whole or relevant parts to improve your capability, this book provides a clear roadmap for doing just that. Do not let my previous remarks lead you to believe that this book is anti-CMMI because it's not. It's merely anti-unrealism.

Regardless of your end goals, much of the material in this book applies to any activity, from strategic planning to process improvement to embracing a methodology. It's one of the best books I've read, and one that anyone contemplating CMMI should read before they read anything else about that model. ... Read more

Book Description

A concise, 30-chapter Principles of Economics text focusing on core concepts, ECONOMICS FOR TODAY, 4th Edition includes a wealth of useful pedagogical features to provide opportunities for critical thinking, interactive reading, and built-in self-assessment. It also aids the visual learner by giving special attention to figures and graphs. Available in micro and macro paperback splits. ... Read more

Book Description

This modern principles book has a strong foundation in demand and supply—the most important topic in learning principles of economics. Its improved coverage of change in demand vs. change in quantity demanded (also in supply coverage) enables learner to better visualize and truly understand the difference between these two fundamental concepts.A seven-part presentation covers an introduction and key principles; the basic concepts in macroeconomics; the economy in the long run; economic fluctuations; inflation, unemployment, and economic policy; and the international economy.For individuals using the tools of economics to help them grasp the logic of economic reasoning. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not perfect, but pretty good
The book is by no means perfect, but it's a darn good book. Its major imperfection is that many important concepts are spread around and not specifically brought to the forefront alone. Otherwise, though, it allows for a great foundation in Macroeconomics for your GECO 200 or equivalent class.

Macroeconomics: Principles & Tools Review
This book gives a great overview of the study of economics. I used it for an Introduction to Global Economics class in college and found it to be easy to read and understand. The information is extremely up-to-date, and is displayed not only through text, but by charts and graphs as well. There also additional materials (practice test questions, a CD rom, and a guide to researching economics on the internet) which accompany the text which are available as well. Overall, a great book for the study of basic economics! ... Read more

Book Description

A simple, straightforward analysis of economic fallacies that are so prevalent they have almost become a new orthodoxy. ... Read more

Reviews (71)

Very clear, well argued, and timeless economics lesson
Hazlitt has a gift for clarity. His arguments simply cannot be misunderstood. With nearly unassailable logic he explains the subtle economic implications of many government policies in terms the simplest novice can follow. This is an awesome book for any reader.

This book was not at all what I expected when I ordered it. I expected a textbook like approach to all the classic concepts of economics (supply/demand curves, law of diminishing returns, effects of shortages/gluts on prices, etc.) Instead, Hazlitt simply states that true economics involves tracing both the seen and unseen consequences of each action or policy. This is primarily a book about government policy in economics, but it scope reaches to every choice we make with regard to the economic well-being of our nation.

I had many 'Ah ha!' moments while reading this book. I felt I had a fairly good grasp on many economic prinicples after reading Skousen's 'The Making of Modern Economics', but Hazlitt has a way of crystalizing thoughts that are still fuzzy. One thing that comes through consistently is how money confuses and distracts people from a true understanding of wealth. Money is not wealth. True physical wealth lies in the products (goods and services) you have or can afford to buy. The wealth of a nation lies in the aggregate products it produces. If you want economic prosperity, increase production. Not senseless production, but production of things people actually want. When all is said and done, money is just the "medium of exchange". Ultimately, all products are paid for by other products.

Despite my high regard for this book, at times it dragged. Many topics are similar, and it seemed at times repetitive to go over the same ground again.

I wish every American (especially politicians and aspiring politicians) would read this book.

Put This Book In Your Children's Hands
And make them read it. Less a primer in economics than a concise debunking of crank positions on economic issues, this book can clear the air (and the mind) quickly after some interested sophist plumps for a discredited idea. Hazlitt's parable of the broken window, meant to show how what dosen't happen as a result of human action is at least as important as what does, is the best introduction to economic theory for the average reader since Adam Smith. The visible results that people see as a result of government intervention in the market must be weighed against what did not come to pass because of the reallocation of resources (i.e., your hard-earned money) that such action necesitates. This book is timeless, in that it is not tied to concrete examples drawn from the headlines of 1946, and is also remarkably free of venom , passion, or spite, which too often mar polemical works on economics - and serve to camouflage bad reasoning. This book can be a basic education in itself, or the beginning of deeper study, in the works of Von Mises, Von Hayek, Schumpeter, or of Hazlett himself. Unlike his opposition (Keynes, et al), Hazlitt is actually readable. -Lloyd A. Conway

Good But Some Holes
Henry Hazlitt's book starts with a single lesson-that economics means looking beyond the immediate effects of any act or policy to the consequences of it for everyone. The rest of the book is a series of short chapters giving examples of the application of this lesson.
Hazlitt's lesson in itself is great. I wish it were better known. His examples vary in quality. Some are a bit dated; natural for a book which mostly dates to 1946. The chapter on rent control is as relevant today as ever. The discussion of the cost of war and other types of destructive activities punctures a misconception that is still common. In his discussion of unemployment, however, he fails to mention immigration and population growth as part of the cause.
The section on tariffs is good as far as it goes. The problem with his analysis is that transportation today is in effect heavily subsidized. Oil companies and the like don't have to pay for the air pollution and climate change caused by their products, or for roads, or for the armies protecting the oil flow. Subsidized transportation costs make nonsense of the idea that local and imported goods are really on the same footing. Free trade with countries having non-existent environmental laws simply sets up a race to the bottom, with responsible companies heading for bankruptcy and irresponsible companies destroying the economic foundations of their own countries.
Hazlitt swallows whole the idea that growth in GNP is always good and can continue indefinitely. Given that GNP doesn't include the costs of pollution, resource depletion, the effects of population growth, or quality of life, this is very questionable. Hazlitt needs to apply his own "one lesson" here.
Hazlitt states in his first sentence that economics is haunted by more fallacies than any other study known to man. I tend to agree. Hazlitt points out some of them and does it in a very readable way. Hazlitt fails with some of the other fallacies. Read the book, but read it with a grain of salt.

Great economics starter!
Having poor public schooling on economics, I decided to pick this book up. This is the perfect starter book for anyone wanting to learn about economics. Relatively short book, just goes through major topics each chapter. Short and to the point.

After this book, I would recommend "Naked Economics" by Charles Wheelan. I started off reading Milton Friedman and Thomas Sowell, and in comparison, this is a much easier read. I think I might have started backwards. =).

A must read for beginners.

A Political pamphlet all the way
This book seems to be a political pamphlet, all the way. I like the narrative approach though. Too much anger at the government I guess. Analysis please. Reader will draw their own conclusions. ... Read more

Book Description

Robert Barro's Macroeconomics has become the classic textbook presentation of the equilibrium approach to macroeconomics. In its first four editions, this book has shown undergraduates how market-clearing models with strong microeconomic foundations can be used to understand real-world phenomena and to evaluate alternative macroeconomic policies. Moreover, a single, unified framework works as well for short-term business fluctuation as for long-term economic growth.

This latest edition includes the most recent theoretical and empirical developments in economic growth, recent evidence on the macroeconomics of labor markets and public finance, and up-to-date results on the interplay between nominal and real variables. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Get Paul Krugman's book instead...
If you want "zero government free-market" philosophy, read R.J. Barro's book. As a member of the conservative Hoover Institution he contaminates every single of his books (this is no exception) with his "religious beliefs".

If you want a good book on Macroeconomics, I'd suggest Krugman's instead (or perhaps in addition to this, to compare viewpoints).

Paul Krugman is much more balanced than Mr. Barro. Don't believe me? get both books and judge for yourself. Krugman's book is available at:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0321033876/

Amending an earlier review: This book is excellent
A few years ago I dashed off a review of Barro's text in a huff; it had failed me in preparing independently for the AP economics exams and therefore was to be condemned. But new evidence must lead one to change one's mind, and now I must recognize Barro's book for the great effort it is. Truly the work of one of the world's best neoclassical macroeconomists, it cannot be evaluated fairly with the meterstick of the Advanced Placement examinations (perhaps if they didn't drill Keynesianism into all of us at such an impressionable age we would emerge a great deal less confused later).

Barro begins with a survey of the United States economy, the history of all the standard macroeconomic variables, and the micro foundations of macro analysis, including such staples as the permanent income hypothesis, labor as a choice between remunerated work and leisure, and utility maximization. From this springboard more complicated phenomena like business cycles, capital markets, money and banking, inflation, and government intervention can be understood. The book culminates with a dressing-down of the Keynesian model's explanation of responses to external shocks and a demonstration of the advantages the neoclassical model has in explaining such shocks.

All the while, Barro takes the time to show how empirical evidence stacks up against theory, with much drawn from his own seminal work. He does not belabor the reader with excessive mathematical formulations; usually some shorthand equations are sufficient to explain which variables are involved, and whether they are related positively or negatively to the result. He is also adept at translating mathematical into diagrammatical analysis--a real boon, since any good economist must be adept at both. Why wait until graduate school for that?

Unfortunately, the book occupies that awkward purgatory between an intro principles book and a rigorous upper-level text replete with explicit theory and mind-numbing equations galore. So it is an excellent "intermediate" macroeconomics text which will hopefully be supplemented in lecture by a responsible professor. Responsible enough, that is, to not be ashamed of neoclassicism (unlike a previous reviewer crying 'ideologue') and to give his students a thorough exposition of the (for better or for worse) leading paradigm in economic analysis.

Low Math Level
If Prof. Barro have time, having a more advanced level book (i.e., with more rigorous math treatment) written would be highly appreciate.

Law Ka Chung

LOVE IT!
I really enjoyed studying intermediate macroeconomics by reading this book. Maybe one additional reason why I enjoyed reading it was that Sala-i-Martin was my profesor, who personally knows Barro (they together wrote "Economic Growth"which I can also highly recommend). ... Read more

Book Description

In 1991, a small group of Russians emerged from the collapse of the Soviet Union claiming ownership some of the most valuable petroleum, natural gas and metal deposits in the world. By 1997, five of those individuals were on Forbes Magazine's list of the world's richest billionaires. These self-styled oligarchs were accused of using guile, intimidation, and occasionally violence to reap these rewards. This revelatory work examines the structure of the Russian economy and considers why it collapsed in 1998 and why it began its recovery in 1999. It also provides a close examination of the Russian oil industry and the oligarchs who control it and who have now decided to go "legitimate". ... Read more

Reviews (3)

How The Russian Mafia Destroyed Russia
I first became acquainted with this work through an NPR interview. The author, Marshall Goldman, was suddenly asked by the reviewer what he thought about top Mafia thug Mikhail Khodorkovsky giving a million dollars to the Library of Congress (as a means of legitimizing himself). Naturally, as I work at the Library of Congress, I perked up, paid attention, and then bought the book. Wow.

Khodorkovsky (currently in jail) started out as a good little communist, belonging to the Komsomol, and going to college. Johnny on the spot, he parlayed a small bank charter for
Menatep to become Russia's richest man. Unfortunately, Menatep was involved in the Bank of New York money laundering scheme, bilking the US out of billions. In 1994, the Federal Reserve ordered the CIA to investigate Russian banks, a study which concluded most Russian banks are Mafia controlled. Although the study is still classified, Menatep was the only bank publicly noted for being Mafia controlled (page148). Knodorkovsky started Yukos Oil, which was a swindle. Using this money, Khodorkovsky, with Henry Kissinger as a member of his board, gave one million dollars to the Library of Congress to start the Open Russia Foundation (page 149).

Another Library of Congress rent-a-thug was Vladimir Gusinsky. Gusinsky predated Khodorkovsky--probably because he's currently on the lam--and had helped fund the Librarian of Congress' Russia documentary film. Gusinsky had actually attended the University of Virginia to study financial management. He named his business empire MOST (a play on the word bridge)after the sign on ATM machines. Goldman also provides us with the "how" of how these two Mafia "oligarchs" could seem presentable given their backgrounds. Somebody got them the services of APCO, which is an offshoot of Arnold and Porter, a top DC law firm full of congressmen and other movers and shakers (page 129). The rest is history, as they say.

I also just have to mention one of the Russian jokes that Goldman repeats. Due to broad government theft this one circulated: A man parked under Yeltsin's office and walked away. A guard rushed up and said "You can't park under Yeltsin's office." "It's okay, the man replied, "I locked the car."

Goldman gives us the backgrounds and histories of all the top "oligarchs" and an explanation any layman can understand regarding just how Russia became so corrupted. This book, then, is not just for Library of Congress employees looking to see who the latest donors to our institution are.

Our Librarian of Congress, James Billington, is a former Sovietologist and "Russian scholar," so I suppose he knows what he is doing. Here is what Goldman thinks, though, "The more involved Russian businessmen become with the West, the more likely it is that they will come to adopt Western business practices, presumably good ones. But there is no guarantee. Given how deeply ingrained some of the less desirable practices are among Russian administrators (past and present) it is only to be expected that some of the more nefarious behaviour we have encountered inside Russia will also surface outside (page 118)."

An Absolute Must Read
I was first drawn to this book after hearing the author interviewed. He was talking about his book when he was interrupted and the interviewer asked Marshall Goldman about Russian Mafia PR campaign on US government officials.(...)In the book there is a brief mention of this fact on page 149, "To show how public-spirited YUKOS [the Mafia-run oil giant] had become, it donated $1 million to the U.S. Library of Congress and set up an Open Russia Foundation with, among others, Henry Kissinger as a member of the board of trustees." It was James Billington, the current Librarian of Congress and former "Sovietologist" professor who brought them all together. Wow.

This book is not just about the Mafia figure, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who ownes YUKOS. What sets Goldman's book apart from others I have read, such as "Comrade Criminal," is the description of what went wrong in Russia when the Soviet Union fell. Dr. Goldman paints a rather bleak picture. Goldman explains the how and why of the vouchers scam and how out of Russia, a certain overnight class of incredibly rich "oligarchs" came on the scene. Goldman shows how these billionaires never developed an economy, at one point contrasting how in Poland the problems that occured in Russia never arose.

If you want to lose sleep you need to read this book as the inroads of Russian Mafia-controlled in America should cause real alarm. As cited on page 118, "The Russian were supposed to adopt out ways, not bring their ways to the United States." Congress is well aware of all this, as on page 128 Goldman relates how the CIA reported that half of Russia's banks were Mafia controlled. The only bank to be so named publicly is MENATEP (page 148). The man the Librarian of Congress brought to the Library of Congress was not just the founder of MENATEP, but also involved in the Bank of New York money laundering.

The two chapters on the oligarchs (pages 98-156)make for heavy reading, especially since two of the oligarchs are (now were) directly involved with the Library of Congress, Vladimir Gussinsky (who fled Russia) and Khodorkovsky (arrested in his jet and currently in jail in Russia). Goldman really gives you the average Russian viewpoint of these oligarchs and the Putin reactions. That the oligarchs are intertwined with the KGB and the fact that the Russian government is predominated by KGB types is described by Goldman. His repeating of jokes really gives the feel, like the one about the subway rider who asks the man standing on his foot if he is from Petersburg (Mafia central) or the KGB. When the man says neither, he is then asked "then why are you standing on my foot?" The other great joke describes the outright theft of the country through the story of the man who parks his car under the window of Yeltsin's office. You can't park under Yeltsin's office the guard says, which the man responds "It's okay, I locked my car."

It is all this together than makes this book a classic.(...)

Best book on the topic
I have read many books on the transfer of the USSR state economy to private hands and this is, by far, the best and clearest on the topic. If one has to read just one account, this is it.

Since this is one of the great economic changes of the 20th century, and robbery on a scale that has few if any precedents, Goldman's book is very valuable and important. He is candid about the monumental errors his colleagues made as advisers (ignoring those who dipped into the honey pot and made, by professorial standards, fortunes). He has interviewed countless people and made the arcane clear. Authoritative, well-written, an excellent piece of work. ... Read more

Reviews (49)

Natural Capitalism is a MUST READ for MBA's, CEO's, Politici
Throughout this extensively researched book, the three authors (Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins and Hunter Lovins) eloquently describe the mind-set required of businesses that wish to evolve their models of business successfully into the next millennium.

By providing a mix of real-world examples, coupled with logical extensions to the philosophies that have dominated main stream economic theories for the majority of the 20th century - the authors allow us to peak through the curtain - to catch a glimpse of what the world will be like in 50 years time.

Natural Capitalism espouses a vision of a world where long term profit is the driving force behind global strategy, where 'whole system thinking' dominates rather than simplistic compartmentalised agendas.

We have only just discovered the technologies that allow us to assess the impact of the techno-industrial systems which we have grown over the past 150 years. With a little imagination, and a lot of logic Natural Capitalism gently points out the way forward. Toward a trajectory where the (re)application of such systems can construct a new environment, together with the economic opportunities and rewards that come from such an evolution...

This a must read book for all entrepreneurs, businessmen, politicians, researchers, economists, environmentalists, educationalists in fact just about anybody who wishes to live both comfortably, profitably and in harmony during the next century. It argues for an extension to the economic theories that pervade organisational thinking, for a more realistic assessment of the life cycle costs involved in business processes, and above all for a more realistic assessment of the value of natural resources.

This book will help you think. This book will help you live. This book will help you work. This book will help add value to your life... READ IT!

Beyond Darwin
As this new century begins, if there is only one book which everyone on the planet should read, it would be Natural Capitalism. Why is it so important? In my opinion, because it provides the most convincing, the most compelling argument in support of Wendell Berry's assertion that "what is good for the world will be good for us." Darwin's concept of natural selection becomes irrelevant if there is no environment in which such selection can occur. The authors introduce us to "The Next Industrial Revolution" with all oif its emerging possibilities. In subsequent chapters, they continue to examine natural capitalism in terms of "four central strategies": radical resource productivity, biomimicry, service and flow economy, and investment in it. According to the authors, natural capitalism "is about choices we can make that can start to tip economic and social outcomes in positive directions. And it is already occurring -- because it is necessary, possible, and practrical." For me, the information provided in Chapter 3 was almost incomprehensible in terms of the nature and extent of waste. Of the $9 trillion spent every year in the United States, at least $2 trillion is wasted annually. How? For example: Highway accidents ($150 billion), highway congestion ($100 billion in lost productivity), total hidden costs of driving (nearly $1 trillion), nonessential/fraudulent healthcare ($65 billion), inflated and unnecessary medical overhead ($250 billion), and crime ($450 billion). All of this waste can and should be reduced, if not eliminated. What the authors present, in effect, is a blueprint for the survival of the planet. All manner of statistical evidence supports their specific recommendations. Unless "The Next Industrial Revolution" succeeds in implementing those recommendations, natural capitalism will eventually be depleted ...and no one left to regret its loss.

Not the environmental economics bible people seem to think
Natural Capitalism suffers some fatal flaws, while not a complete waste of time, not a book to read if you want great ideas that can make it out of the ivory tower. While claiming to provide a path for evnvironmental and social justice, this book blithely ignores the actual impacts of its ideas on the lower classes as well as the prevalence and tenacity of international monetary and banking organizations. While touting that having people pay for rental on material goods, or pay for the service they supply, rather than purchasing the item(such as washing machines) will reduce the number of them in landfills each year, he is ignoring that ultimately someone is going to be owning the machines and therefore holding the capital investment. Those who pay for the service(sound a lot like going to the laundrymat?) will simply be throwing their money into the maintenance of the company's capital investment. The authors further ignore that most countries outside the first world have their economics and politics dictated by international monetary regulations. While this book does present some instances of environmentally friendly ideas and archtecture, such as a banking building in Amsterdam, they do not provide the scripture that most people seem to feel they do. Further, they are basing environmental sustainability off technology such as photovoltaic cells, which do provide cleaner energy by process than oil or coal, but contain heavy metals that are put back into the environment as toxins and require large scale mining and smelting technology to produce. Ultimately, I thought this book was geared more toward engineering social response through the pocketbook, which the U.S. government already does, than a study in environmental econimics within the capitalist framework.

Nothing new Here
I find that this book fails to live up to expectations as
the authors are treading old water. Their idea of
Radical Resource Productivity, is already happening and
is a natural progression, sometimes taking longer than
we would hope, but nonetheless inevitable. They seem more
interested in Social Engineering than Economics, and simply
make observations about things already taking place, while
sprinkling in some projections for good measure.

If you're looking for ideas read Fuller's Critical Path, written
in 1981. His ideas are original and groundbreaking for the
time. Reading Natural Capitalism, I honestly felt like I was
attending a lecture given by people lauding mother nature.

I agree with their ideals and think that by and large many of the
methods can be implemented, over time, but the book isn't ground
breaking, and it fails to truly discuss economic factors, which
are so crucial to the success or failure of these methods. The
bottom line is there isn't enough practical discussion of the
factors holding these methods back. If there were it might be
possible for the authors to cut through them. Too often there are
economic factors holding companies back from making improvements
they may be fully aware would help them. That is one reason these
changes take time, lack of capital (not natural).

I think the authors are dreaming of a future that could
not possibly unfold as easily and seamlessly as they entail.

A new lease on life
Paul Hawken and the Lovins have teamed up to provide one of the best overall books on "Natural Capitalism" which offers a whole new approach to the way in which we do business. For too long we have taken natural capital for granted, squandering our natural resources and unleashing an unhealthy array of by-products which have further contaminated our world. It is time to add natural capital to the ledger sheets, properly balancing our record books. But, far from being a screed the book is meticulously researched with extensive notes and references to help guide your own research into the subject.

Everything from the Toyota Production System, which offered a leaner, much less wasteful approach to auto manufacturing, to the Hypercar which offers a hybrid-electric propulsion engine which would result in much greater fuel effeciency are illustrated. It is this lean thinking which the authors think will revolutionize the industrial sector, making for the greatest breakthroughs since the microchip revolution.

What is most heartening is that major companies such as Ford Motor Company and Carrier Air Conditioning are adopting these practices and making them work. They are doing so because it saves money and provides them with endless growth possibilities. The authors support the lease-use system which puts the onus on the manufacturer to produce better products and maintain them throughout their service to the user, the so called "cradle to cradle" concept. New materials are resulting in much lighter and more efficient components that would reduce our dependency on foreign oil, and in time phase out petroleum products all together.

Too good to be true you might say, but this is the shape of things to come once we get past the tired old dogmas that have greatly limited our economic potential. The authors show how regressive tax policies and federal subsidies have greatly handicapped our productivity and they encourage political leaders to rethink the way we hand out incentives for better business practice. This book will give you a whole new lease on life, and encourage you to rethink the way you live. ... Read more

Book Description

A modern edition on the 150th anniversary of the Manifesto. The Communist Manifesto, drafted on the eve of the 1848 revolutions, is the most brilliant and incisive political text ever written; a work of great literary power as well as historical insight. Eric Hobsbawm, whose writing has brilliantly described the century and a half of history that has been both shaped and illuminated by the Manifesto, presents it here. As the "age of extremes" draws to an end and capitalism seems everywhere to be triumphant, as it did one hundred and fifty years ago, Eric Hobsbawm critically appraises a work which, he argues, is now more timely than ever. Hobsbawm notes the curious fact that the Manifesto remained a subterranean text for many decades and did not circulate on a mass scale, or achieve a canonical status, until comparatively recently. He argues that only the complete unfolding of capitalism on a global scale in recent times allows us to take the full measure of Marx and Engels's truly astounding mixture of passion, science and poetry. ... Read more

Reviews (192)

Empty promises
As one familiar with the principles of communism but unclear on Marx's continued relevance after communism's collapse,The "Communist Manifesto" seemed like an ideal read, and it is certainly a work of art. Karl Marx crtiques capitalism like no one before him; he even offers up a firm event timeline for those interested in watching knowledgably as the capitalist system inevitably self-destructs. Unfortunately, Marx's predictions have not actually occured. How does Marx account for the dominance of today's middle class? Where is the declining rate of profit? Why do liberal democracies respect human rights, when communist ones do not? Rather than simply poking holes in Marx's arguments, and without even touching on the fact that communism has failed miserably (millions killed, millions more plunged into poverty), I wish to point out the Communist Manifesto's fatal flaw: Marx never takes the time to explain how communism is actually supposed to work. This is why it is so easy to dismiss every form of communism that has ever been put into practice (and thus failed) as un-true to Marx's central ideas. It is up to the reader to infer how communism should be actually practised simply by excluding the concepts that Marx deplored: Private ownership, "exploitation", and so on. As any intelligent person will infer, this book is no manifesto, it is an attack on the ideas of others. For those intersted in intelligent suggestions on how the world should conduct its complex affairs, I suggest Adam Smith's "Wealth of Nations". If however, one is more interested in vague predictions and guidelines on avoiding the problems of man, the Bible or the Qu'ran would certainly offer more clarity. If Christianity, Judaism, or Islam are not your thing, feel free to pick up the "Communist Manifesto" and join the rest of Marx's followers.

Thought provoking, regardless of your stance on communism
This is a book that definitely deserves to be read. Marx's examination of a modern bourgeois society and its historically inevitable change from capitalism to communism will illicit much praise from some readers and harsh repudiation from others. The reason it desrves to be read rests in the conflict of opinion. The fact a book like this, whether enjoyed or detested, can affirm one's own beliefs so strongly for or against communism shows it does have an intriguing power. Just look at all the conflicting reviews below. We have, on one side, people saying that the reason communism hasn't worked so far is because there has been no real communist societies while, on the other side, we have people saying these "unreal" communist societies that become totalitarian are the direct by product of attempting to implement communism, ergo communism cannot work. I find that this heated debate becomes the reason one should at least read Marx's work. It does develop and mold one's belief systems in some way and any book that powerful is deserving of readership. "The Communist Manifesto" and the ideas expressed within are things you won't forget... whether you like it or not.

This Book is what Killed 90 MILLION people Worldwide
This book started communism. Communism is responsible for 90 MILLION deaths world-wide. Now, how can this book have such a high Amazon rating? It is beyond me. Shows how stupid people can be. Communism doesn't work, and it is not a fair way of living. So, don't buy this book. And if you do, don't forget that you are being brainwashed. Remember the 90 million dead as you read this. I mean, 30-40 million in China, 30 million in Russia, and more in other countries. That's how many communism has killed. And people say Hitler was a bad man!

stupidity or complete ignorance
I was born and raised in Ukraine and lived in US for the last ten years. I was absolutely shocked to find many people(democrats, that is)in this country who hate their presidents(other than Al Gore and Bill Clinton, of course, who could do no wrong, never mind giving nuclear technology to North Korea), hate their military, hate their country, think terrorist attacks are this country's fault and capitalism is the root of all evil. However, everyone who advocates communism grew up in a middle class homes, never went hungry and were never threatened with death for expressing their views. Most of my russian and ukrainian friends laugh themselves silly at the democrats's views because they are so ridiculous. Why don't everyone who gives this book 5 stars move to North Korea or Cuba and decide how they like being sent to concentration camps, tortured and starved to death. I'm sure there will be no volunteers.

Must read - know thine enemy
I highly recommend that anyone interested in world development read this book. Personally, I feel Communism poses the greatest threat this world has ever seen - recommending a charge toward soul-draining anarchy. However, in and of itself the book is valuable as an illustration of that map toward terror.

Marx may indeed have been an eloquent and convincing speaker. These qualities come across in this work. But what is valuable to notice in actually reading this doctrine is that while Marx's grande plan for overturning the world and securing a new order, nowhere in the document is the future discussed. Repercussions, consequences, any vision regarding "what happens next" is absent. This key fact is what should be noted. By noting this element of the doomed-to-fail ideology, future generations can avoid being fooled by "brave words," as Marx indeed cites of his very enemies.

This book should be read. For, only by knowing thine enemy can that enemy be utterly defeated. ... Read more

Book Description

Throughout time, from ancient Rome to modern Britain, the great empires built and maintained their dominion through force of arms and political power over alien peoples. In this illuminating work of history, John Steele Gordon tells the extraordinary story of how the United States, a global power without precedent, became the first country to dominate the world through the creation of wealth.

The American economy is by far the world's largest, but it is also the most dynamic and innovative. The nation used its English political inheritance, as well as its diverse, ambitious population and seemingly bottomless imagination, to create an unrivaled economy capable of developing more wealth for more and more people as it grows.

But America has also been extremely lucky. Far from a guaranteed success, our resilient economy continually suffered through adversity and catastrophes. It survived a profound re