Puzzled by economics? Ever wished for a good, clear introduction to the history of economic thought? Here at last is a survey of seven great economists who gave shape and system to this curious science. Adam Smith, Malthus, Ricardo, J.S. Mill, Marx, Alfred Marshall and J.M. Keynes. In seven lucid chapters, you can trace the development of the essential economic ideas: the theories of value, labour, population, accumulation, capital, money, supply and demand, surplus, marginal utility, employment, state intervention, and much more.

Amusing, thoroughly researched, Economists for Beginners allows the major economists to speak in their own words. Documentary illustrations, the social background from early capitalism to the rise of socialism, the Great Depression and the Welfare State make the economic ideas come alive.