The more they tell us that we don't need to know anything about economics before we start, the more worried I get. So please, dear readers, do you have any suggestions for books on economics? Think pre-introductory level. Remedial economics, if you will. I know nothing about economics except that I think it's somehow related to money. And math. And, according to Freakonomics, baby names in California. See, I still don't get that connection.
Anyway, yes, I did read Freakonomics. But it didn't explain the basic concepts of economics, and I'm sure there must be some. (Perhaps I should invest in a doll and some needles? Go on a field trip to Haiti?)
Can you believe my uncle is a professor of economics? ABD at University of Chicago, of all places? I'd love to take a class with him, but the commute to Paris would kill me. Also, he's now retired. So much for that idea.
In a shocking turn of events, I turned in my transcript a full day before the deadline! Yes! I did. Then I wandered through the bookstore, picked up a hat, and ogled the law books they had out already. I wish I knew which section I'm in, although I did get some ideas about the reading list for that law theory class. And I got an idea of how much books are going to cost. I hope the rest of the student loans get approved soon.
When in doubt I always find a "For Dummies" book. It is how I learned about motorcycles and computers. Maybe Economics For Dummies is out there???
Posted by: Brian D. | August 30, 2005 at 08:58 PM
Waytago, Brian. I was going to suggest the same thing.
Posted by: ckm | August 30, 2005 at 10:54 PM
What are you going to do with an econ book? (Obvious answer: Read it) But why? Why o' why?
(As you can tell, I failed econ miserably....)
Posted by: shell | August 30, 2005 at 11:05 PM
My law school is a little into economics. As in, a LOT into economics.
Posted by: Citations | August 31, 2005 at 12:48 AM
I'm reading Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell, which is a great book -- it's very interesting and readable. There are no formulas or charts; he explains basic economic concepts in prose, with lots of examples. The only thing the Dummies book (which I also looked at) has over this is its length.
Posted by: CM | August 31, 2005 at 05:40 AM
Oh, one more thing about Sowell's book -- each section has an "Overview" chapter at the end. Now that school has already started, you might just want to read those.
Posted by: CM | August 31, 2005 at 05:50 AM
One of my profs recommended "The Worldly Philosophers: The Lives, Times And Ideas Of The Great Economic Thinkers" by Heilbroner as the best book for economic theories in a historical context.
Posted by: an | August 31, 2005 at 06:40 AM
Thank you all very, very much. I'll get Sowell and Heilbroner's books immediately -- since I don't start for another three weeks or so, I should have time to read them.
Yay.
Posted by: Citations | August 31, 2005 at 11:05 AM
I just graduated from Chicago Law in June. Don't kill yourself with your econ. primer. It really is unnecessary, and the last few weeks before law school are better spent relaxing and getting to know your surroundings. Good luck!
Posted by: meow | August 31, 2005 at 05:51 PM
foundations of economics
Posted by: john | September 04, 2005 at 03:50 AM