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A Little History of Economics cover art

A Little History of Economics

By: Niall Kishtainy
Narrated by: Steven Crossley
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Summary

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.

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 listeners new to economics and to all listeners 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, Ricardo, Marx, 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.

©2017 Niall Kishtainy (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What listeners say about A Little History of Economics

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An excellent introduction to Economics!

This book is a brilliant introductory guide to the study of economics and economic theorists. Over 40 chapters it covers a different topic and the economist(s) that based their work on that topic. I think that this book is great for someone who wants to better understand the complex world around them, whilst also giving a good foundation to anyone who wants to study economics academically.

It was also very well narrated.

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4 people found this helpful

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A wonderfully clear history of economics

A wonderfully clear history of economics. Apparently completely impartial with others' hobby horses described but none ridden by the author.

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2 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Very patronising narrator

Good content, awful narrator. Just get some naturalistic narrators guys. I don't need this posh grandpa style dude condescending his way through the entire book. Irritating. Maybe a woman?

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2 people found this helpful

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The narrator ruined this

I couldn't see this audiobook through. Although I'm interested in the subject matter, the narrator ruined any enjoyment that could be had from learning. It's as though he's pitched his style of narrating a book on economics at an audience of 4 and 5 year olds!

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars

Great content, badly narrated

With a different narrator, this would have been great. Very condescending voice which becomes increasingly annoying.

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1 person found this helpful

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excellent comprehensive review of economics.

great. but now I require 15 words to complete this review. how tiresome is that?

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Great intro

Great introduction to economics! The book is a gentle tour across the main ideas in economics

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Easy to listen to intro to economics

This is not a text book, but is a great travel through the history of thinking in economics. I’ve learned loads.

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Brilliant primer for UK Centric economics

The book worked as an excellent primer to economics. While it is global in its coverage, there is definitely a UK focus, which was fine for me as a first book. Great narration and it covered so many topics undergrad economics does too. Would recommend reading/listening to anyone interested in economics. No maths!

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Good Listen; Very Odd Narration

Any given mainstream book on economics will be unfair to socialist countries in my view. A whole chapter could be devoted in this book to the effects of catastrophic and violent American intervention in Chile, Grenada, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and how that impacted their economic growth; rather than a passing sentence or two.

It reads as smug self-assurances of capitalism being a natural or superior system when it is neither. Other than that it’s an interesting listen. A lot of time is given to unusual characters like Veblen and it’s quite enjoyable.

The narrator could do without sounding like a bored imperial officer ordering a massacre. Extremely odd intonation.

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