| This two-volume text presents clear, accessible descriptions of basic principles of economics, with Vol.1 devoted to how the economy works and Vol.2 on personal money management. A lengthy glossary of terms is placed at the beginning of Vol.1, which continues with chapters introducing basic concepts, descriptions of different kinds of economic systems, the ideas of influential economists, and chapters on essential concepts such as supply and demand, competition between businesses, and the many aspects connected to international trade. Vol.2 provides discussion of personal money management, including sections on budgeting, borrowing, and saving, and concluding with several sections on entrepreneurship. Photos, maps, and many inset boxes of terms are featured throughout the text. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) |
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| Economic literacy is essential in today's world. In this introduction to the world of money, contributors try to show how even such unfamiliar terms as elasticity of demand or revolving credit are based on easy-to-understand ideas and how economics is deeply related to our everyday lives, decisions, and concerns. The three major sections are How the Economy Works; Personal Money Management: Buying, Borrowing, Saving, and Insuring; and Entrepreneurship: The World of Business. Chapters in the first section cover economic systems and philosophies, what motivates businesses, and how governments raise money. Also here are biographies of seven influential economists, among them John Maynard Keynes and John Stuart Mill. The second section has essays discussing topics such as Buying a Home, Saving for College, Hedge Fund, and Disability Insurance. The third section discusses topics such as creating a product or service, marketing, and working with employees. More than 300 two- or three-page essays are featured, and each has the same parts What It Means, When Did It Begin, More Detailed Information, Recent Trends that provide background and context in addition to defining terms. Sidebars contain examples or anecdotes. More than 220 photographs, charts, graphs, maps, and tables illustrate the text. An extensive glossary of financial terms is located at the beginning of the first volume. A further-reading section and subject index conclude each volume. Students, faculty, and researchers in academic settings will find this outstanding set incredibly useful. Public libraries will want to consider it for their collections as well. Copyright 2008 Booklist Reviews. |
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| This two-volume set is designed to address a growing need for economic literacy and as such aims to provide a basic introduction to economics, personal money management, and entrepreneurship, and to relate these topics to our daily lives. The premise is that "economic literacy is essential for functioning in the modern world." Robert Duvall (National Council on Economic Education), Peter Bell (New York State Council on Economic Education), and Sue Weaver (Foundation for Teaching Economics) served as advisers in selecting topics for inclusion. The 300 articles in this set are organized into three main sections. The first, "How the Economy Works," deals with fundamental concepts and theories in economics, macroeconomics, microeconomics, international trade, and the government's role in the economy. The second section covers personal finance and addresses the key consumer activities of buying, borrowing, saving, and insuring. The third section on entrepreneurship focuses on the fundamentals of business management and addresses a wide range of topics, e.g., types of businesses, starting a business, marketing and advertising, money management, working with employees, and business ethics. The organization of each article follows a similar format, beginning with a definition of the topic being discussed, and then continuing with historical background, more detailed information, recent trends, and a sidebar box (with an example or anecdote relevant to the topic). This set is enhanced with a reader's guide; a glossary; numerous photographs, charts, and cross-references; sources for further study; and a cumulative general index. See related, Frederick Weaver's Economic Literacy: Basic Economics with an Attitude (2nd ed., CH, Mar'07, 44-3973), and Thomas Sowell's Basic Economics: A Citizen's Guide to the Economy (rev. ed., CH, Oct'04, 42-1063). Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers; all levels of undergraduate students; and practitioners. Copyright 2009 American Library Association. |
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This two-volume encyclopedic reference work makes the complex subject of economics easy for lay readers to understand, organizing more than 300 articles on practical economic topics. It is refreshing to encounter well-written text coupled with carefully chosen images; more than 50 tables, charts, and graphs; and a glossary of terms. For example, readers will learn how the economy is measured, what motivates businesses, and how governments raise money and will develop an understanding of various types of loans and where to get them, retirement funds, and how to start and grow a business. The book is arranged in three main sections: "How the Economy Works," "Personal Money Management," and "Entrepreneurship." Each entry outlines the basic concepts, gives historical background, provides detailed information, tracks recent trends, and often illustrates the topic with an example. A "Further Reading" section at the end of each volume includes up-to-date journal articles, web sites, and books (although this information would probably be more valuable at the end of each article). The volumes also contain a very detailed subject index and a comprehensive table of contents. The entries, made in consultation with institutions noted for economic education, are written primarily by university professors and range from 250 to 1500 words in length. Riggs has edited numerous other reference books for Gale, including several in the field of business. BOTTOM LINE Tom Gorman's Complete Idiot's Guide to Economics (Alpha Pub., 2003) is another publication aimed at novices, but Everyday Finance supplies greater detail. Its practical topics would appeal to high school and college students or anyone interested in learning more about personal finance or setting up a business. [Ebk. ISBN 978-1414-42929-8 ; ebook pricing depends on library type and population served; for more information, go to www.gale-cengage.com .]—Hazel M.G. Cameron, MLS, PACCAR Inc., Bellevue, WA [Page 114]. Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information. |
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