The Undercover Economist: Exposing Why the Rich Are Rich, the Poor Are Poor–and Why You Can Never Buy a Decent Used Car!
The Undercover Economist: Exposing Why the Rich Are Rich, the Poor Are Poor–and Why You Can Never Buy a Decent Used Car! by Tim Harford, published by Oxford University Press on November 1, 2005, is a thought-provoking exploration of economic principles that influence everyday life. This 288-page volume serves as both a field guide to economics and an examination of the hidden forces behind common experiences, such as traffic jams and fluctuating coffee prices.
In this edition, Harford addresses questions about economic disparities and consumer behavior, revealing how various industries, from supermarkets to airlines, impact our finances. He discusses concepts like market power, efficiency, and price gouging, illustrating how these elements shape our daily interactions and decisions. With a blend of humor and insight, The Undercover Economist provides readers with a deeper understanding of the economic landscape, making complex ideas accessible and engaging.
Official synopsis Publisher
An economist’s version of The Way Things Work, this engaging volume is part field guide to economics and part expose of the economic principles lurking behind daily events, explaining everything from traffic jams to high coffee prices.
The Undercover Economist is for anyone who’s wondered why the gap between rich and poor nations is so great, or why they can’t seem to find a decent second-hand car, or how to outwit Starbucks. This book offers the hidden story behind these and other questions, as economist Tim Harford ranges from Africa, Asia, Europe, and of course the United States to reveal how supermarkets, airlines, and coffee chains–to name just a few–are vacuuming money from our wallets. Harford punctures the myths surrounding some of today’s biggest controversies, including the high cost of health-care; he reveals why certain environmental laws can put a smile on a landlord’s face; and he explains why some industries can have high profits for innocent reasons, while in other industries something sinister is going on. Covering an array of economic concepts including scarce resources, market power, efficiency, price gouging, market failure, inside information, and game theory, Harford sheds light on how these forces shape our day-to-day lives, often without our knowing it.
Showing us the world through the eyes of an economist, Tim Harford reveals that everyday events are intricate games of negotiations, contests of strength, and battles of wits. Written with a light touch and sly wit, The Undercover Economist turns “the dismal science” into a true delight.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “The Undercover Economist: Exposing Why the Rich Are Rich, the Poor Are Poor–and Why You Can Never Buy a Decent Used Car!” about?
Who is the author of “The Undercover Economist: Exposing Why the Rich Are Rich, the Poor Are Poor–and Why You Can Never Buy a Decent Used Car!”?
When was “The Undercover Economist: Exposing Why the Rich Are Rich, the Poor Are Poor–and Why You Can Never Buy a Decent Used Car!” published?
What is the ISBN for “The Undercover Economist: Exposing Why the Rich Are Rich, the Poor Are Poor–and Why You Can Never Buy a Decent Used Car!”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
