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The Accidental Theorist: And Other Dispatches from the Dismal Science (Penguin Business Library)
 
 
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The Accidental Theorist: And Other Dispatches from the Dismal Science (Penguin Business Library) [Paperback]

Paul Krugman
4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
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Product details

  • Paperback: 208 pages
  • Publisher: Penguin; New Ed edition (24 Jun 1999)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0140286861
  • ISBN-13: 978-0140286861
  • Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.2 x 1.6 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 12,465 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • See Complete Table of Contents

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Paul Krugman
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Product Description

Amazon.co.uk Review

When economics and ideology mix, the results often sound plausible, but in fact can be terribly wrong and lead to ill-conceived and sometimes dangerous economic policy. For several years, Paul Krugman, author of The Accidental Theorist and one of the most celebrated economists of the 1990s, has been punching holes in fashionable ideas such as the logic of supply-side economics and the evils of globalisation. The Accidental Theorist is a collection of Krugman's best published and unpublished essays that cover everything from the Asian financial crisis to inflation in America.

Krugman's cause is neither left or right; rather it's the pursuit of clear thinking about economics that's unfettered by ideology. He writes, "But we should never be surprised when prominent people say foolish things about economics. The history of economic doctrines teaches us that the influence of an idea may have nothing to do with its quality--that an ideology can attract a devoted following, even come to control the corridors of power, without a shred of logic or evidence in its favor".

If you've read and enjoyed Krugman's regular column for Slate, "The Dismal Science", or have admired his work in the New York Times, The Washington Monthly, and Foreign Affairs, you'll find that the The Accidental Theorist is a must-read. The essays in this book reflect a clairvoyant and playful mind that is patient enough to unravel and simplify--not dumb down--the arcane and lofty ideas of economics to something that the rest of us can understand. Highly recommended. --Harry C. Edwards, Amazon.com

Product Description

Paul Krugman has made a reputation for himself by telling us the truth about economics however unlikely it may seem and however little we want to believe it. In this collection of sharp, witty essays, Krugman tackles bad economic ideas from across the political spectrum, giving us clear-eyed insights into unemployment, globalization, economic growth and financial speculation. The writing here brilliantly combines the acerbic style and clever analysis that has made Krugman famous.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
I understand the disappointment of that reader in Chicago expecting Krugman to be another Feynmann. I am glad he is not. Feynmann was certainly a great storyteller, but usually he (or someone else) wrote popular books about his LIFE, not exactly about physics. Krugman is writing about economics, and not exactly about his life. And that is quite different.

I also understand Brian Dewey when he says he doesn't have "a better understanding of economic fundamentals" after reading Krugman's book. Certainly this book is useful to make people aware of the good (and sometimes bad) things economics theory has to offer (especially to debunk myths), and to motivate further reading on the subject.

Unfortunately, there is no other way to learn economics-indeed, any other analytical subject-than the hard way. And if you are motivated to learn what REAL economics is about, you should get an introductory textbook.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
As someone new to Krugman's writing, I was enthused by his ability to explain complex ideas and economic policy dilemmas with such a sure touch and accessible style.

The mini essays that form the core of this book range widely in scope. From his much used story of the Congress Hill Baby-Sitting Co-op to a candid assessment of the political realities of controlling car congestion and providing health care, Krugman sets out to de-mystify some of the jargon of economics and lambasts supply-side economists in fine style.

Krugman should be read by all aspiring university economic students and I will be recommending this book to my own students for their A Level courses.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
Dr. Krugman is a most famous and most prolific ecominical polulizer in the world. Now, we can see a new Dr. Krugman's masterpiece of economical edutainment. Why European Monetary Union is a crazy idea? Why we must tolerate increasing health care cost? What type of life will be in the next century? Why small salary is better then unemployment? What is wrong with Japan? If one wants to know answers on these questions and/or if one wants to understand "what it means to think, really think, about ecomonics" ... one must buy this excellent book. The last chapter "Looking Backward" is the best prognosis for our life in the XXI century I have ever read although as a member of World Future Society I am well informed about futuristic books. It would be interesting to read Dr. Krugman's "futuristic review" of economical books written by different economists from different countries in the end of XXI century. I am sure it would be another masterpiece.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Economics Written for Non-Economists
As the title suggests, this is a simple read, but dont get discouraged if you have conquered those formulas of Foreign Exchange Markets or studied those depressing Classical... Read more
Published on 5 Aug 2002 by "mexicaninscotland"
A fantastic read
Krugman manages to make economics enjoyable. He has rekindled my desire to become more knowledgeable about current affairs and economic issues. An easy and pleasurable read. Read more
Published on 14 Oct 2000
Fantastic!!!!!!
This collection of essays is the perfect introduction to economics for any non-specialist. It explains the subject in a way that keeps it fresh, which is so rare. Read more
Published on 6 Jan 2000
The economics popularizer is closer to his goal
This book is a collection of 27 essays originally published between 1995 and 1997. Most of them ran in Slate, an on-line magazine, others in the New York Times, Washington Monthly... Read more
Published on 3 Jun 1999
Principles Of Economics For A Layman.
The book is a brief introduction to economics. We can call it an intro. to economics for layman. Dr. Read more
Published on 2 April 1999
Economics for everyone
As an economics lecturer, I cannot but recommend this book. If you're ever going to read one economics book in your entire life, please read this one. Read more
Published on 3 Mar 1999
Lots of good stuff here
In this book Krugman does what he does best - translate technical economics into layman's language, and then "burn the mathematics. Read more
Published on 20 Oct 1998
Enough is Enough!
Yet another attempt by Krugman to become the Richard Feynmann of economics.Feynmann had class, and style--in the classromm, and out.Something that has totally evaded Krugman. Read more
Published on 10 Oct 1998
A brilliant and thought provoking
Not many books on the economy is as enjoyable as this little book. It is a confirmation that Professor Krugman is one of the most lucid and persuasive writers of contemporary... Read more
Published on 19 Sep 1998
Well-written, thought-provoking essays for general readers.
I enjoyed Paul Krugman's "The Accidental Theorist" a great deal. Each of the 27 essays is short, well-written, and thought-provoking. Read more
Published on 6 July 1998
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