The 6 Best Books on Economics

Learning economics can be very interesting to understand society and how we behave. Through this knowledge, it is possible to find answers to questions such as: why do we work, why there is social inequality and why we will never be free from financial crises, among many others.

In fact, the economy can help those who invest and undertake, as it helps to understand whether the economic scenario is favorable or not, for example. In other words, a person who studies economics can understand the world, not to mention that the theory is thought-provoking.

Because of this, we selected the 7 best books on economics for you to read this year.

If you want to purchase any of the books listed below, click on the titles. They are affiliated links that will take you directly to the store.

1. 50 Economics Ideas You Really Need to Know, Edmund Conway

Do you know what terms like capitalism, Keynesianism, division of labor and unemployment mean? These and many others are explained in this book briefly and simply. The work is short and aims to explain basic concepts of economics and finance.

Because of the author's objectivity, it's great for anyone in a hurry or who wants to understand everything quickly and efficiently.

2. History of Economic Thought, EK Hunt and Mark Lautzenheimer

Perhaps one of the most complete books on the list, it is also one of the greatest. A complete work for those who want to understand from the thought of Adam Smith, with his theories of the “invisible hand” to more current thinkers. such as Ludwig Von Mises, F. A Hayek, and John Maynard Keynes.

The book covers the thinking of various economists and schools of thought, such as the Austrian and Chicago Schools. Ideal for those who want to delve into the theories that gave rise to the economic systems we know today.

Perhaps one of the best books on economics and politics available, particularly for its thorough approach to virtually all the most influential thoughts.

3. Economics: The User's Guide, Ha-Joon Chang

Another short, language-friendly book that's perfect for those wanting to understand the basics of how the global economy works.

The author also discusses influential political theories in the world, such as Keynesianism and comments on questions about the future of the Euro, the situation in China and others. The book helps everyone who wants to understand how the economy affects our daily lives.

4. Principles of Economics, N. Gregory Mankiw

One of the best and most respected introductory books on the subject. Mankiw is one of the most highly regarded economists and economics professors in the world. So much so that this work is recommended in most economics courses in different places.

The work is extensive, but each chapter was written in an accessible way, so that both students and laypeople can understand basic concepts such as: work, unemployment and capital, among others.

As it deals with basic issues that affect our daily lives, it is excellent to understand why the reality we are in is a certain way and why we have many economic problems, among others.

5. Naked Economics: Undressing the Dismal Science, Charles Wheelan

One of the most fun books on economics and finance to read, as it deals with the subject very lightly and simply. From the summary it is possible to see that the way the author wrote is fun and relaxed.

The work manages to address economic themes inserted in people's daily lives and some facts, such as the fact that Bill Gates is richer than anyone else, the creation of the McDonald's hamburger and other events.

In addition to having funnier language, reading shows us that the economy is in everything. The book also helps those who need to make better economic decisions on a daily basis.

6. Keynes Hayek: The Clash That Defined Modern Economics, Nicholas Wapshott

If you think that the world is divided between capitalism and socialism or right and left, you think wrong. The world is divided between Keynes and Hayek, or Keynesianism and liberalism. Practically every country on the planet is divided between the theory of the two.

The “fight” between these economists was so historic that it persists to this day, even though they are both deceased.

On the one hand, John Maynard Keynes defended a presumptive state entity that promoted social well-being. On the other, F. A. Hayek defended more freedom for the market and little state intervention in the economy. Nicholas Wapshott's work analyzes this economic battle and its impacts on today's world.