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The Undercover Economist

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About this listen

 Ever wondered why the gap between rich and poor nations is so great, or why it's so difficult getting a foot on the property ladder, or how to outwit Starbucks? This audiobook offers the hidden story behind these and other questions, as economist Tim Harford reveals how supermarkets, airlines, and coffee chains, to name just a few, are vacuuming money from our wallets. Written with a light, humorous touch but backed up by the latest economic research, this eye-opening book exposes the forces that shape our day-to-day lives, often without our knowing it.©2006 Tim Harford; (P)2007 Hachette Audio Economics Capitalism Thought-Provoking US Economy Banking Taxation Socialism Tariff China

Critic reviews

"A playful guide to the economics of everyday life, and as such is something of an elder sibling to Steven Levitt's wild child, the hugely successful Freakonomics." ( The Economist)
"This is a book to savour." ( The New York Times)
All stars
Most relevant
The subject matter is delivered just right for me - enough engagement is required stave of boredom, but not so much that concentration on the road is undermined. Thoughtfully compiled and explained. Much recommended!!

Great for long journeys in the car!

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This book makes economics interesting. Harford's writing is very easy to read even if the subject is sometimes hard. I've listened to this book twice now and enjoyed it both times.

fantastic stuff - made me think

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The content is excellent: very interesting and well explained but enjoyment of the audiobook is severely impaired by the posh voice of the narrator, which is so posh it is difficult to understand in places. If only Tim Halford had read his own book!

Fascinating introduction to microeconomics ruined by posh narrator

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I have come to the world of Economics like many people via the route of Freakonmics. As much as I enjoyed Freakonomics I felt there was a very small amount of (admittedly excellent) content spread over a longer book.

This book is different. The author sometimes takes a while setting the scene but this all adds to the understanding of the principles he is explaining. I can honestly say that my understanding of the world is greater having listened to this book. The narration is fine, with a pleasant english voice that doesn't grip you but at the same time does not become tiresome.

I would certainly purchase another book by this author

Better than Feakonomics - more in depth

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A very in teresting and informative book. Just right for todays world of credit crunch

Nicely Put

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