Economics

by Michael Parkin

Book Overview

The Fifth Edition of Michael Parkin's path-breaking text provides students with the tools required to think like an economist. Solid coverage of core economic theory is coupled with appropriate... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0201700298
• ISBN13: 9780201700299
• Release Date: August 1999
• Publisher: Addison Wesley Longman
• Length: 992 Pages
• Weight: 4.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 8.4" x 10.4"

Customer Reviews

Great Textbook

this is a very good, well written textbook. I'd buy books from these authors again.

Excellent elucidation of economic concepts and curves.

Parkin does a wonderful job of explaining the intricate concepts behind microeconomics and macroeconomics. The emphasis of this textbook is on understanding, and Parkin clearly makes an effort to elucidate every graph and concept presented. Although Parkin's text overlooks the mathematics of economics, it is superb for an introductory level Economics course. Through close reading of this textbook, I was able to fully understand economic terms and the graphing of economic forces (supply/demand curves, GDP curves, aggregate supply/demand curves, etc.) Parkin's explanation of each graph facilitated a true understanding of economics. With excellent, easy-to-understand writing and extensive use of graphs, Parkin's guide served as an Economics bible, and I did not need any supplementary reading for the course. Although a little confusing in certain areas such as growth theory, as a whole, Parkin's text is undoubtedly the only textbook you'll ever need.

One of the best intro texts

Parkin's text is probably one of the best introductory textbooks for economics. The primary criticisms of Parkin's text seem to stem from its perspective on teaching economics. Parkin presents the full breadth of "high economics" - a means of analyzing and resolving problems of scarcity. Parkin stresses the underlying problems that the techniqiues of analysis are designed to address rather than merely reciting mathematical formulae that seem to exist in a vacuum.Parkin's graphs and explanations are generally excellent and well worth reading. To Parkin's credit, he clearly distinguishes between positive and normative conclusions of economics. Many introductory textbooks become dogmatic regarding the author's conclusions.Some readers apparently do not like the additional information and text boxes that Parkin includes in this book. These criticisms appear to be misguided. One of this book's greatest strengths is that it is not afraid to admit that it is introductory. In many ways the best introductory texts are survey-type books that allow you to learn the language and primary concerns of that field of study. Further courses in price theory, public choice, welfare economics, antitrust, money & banking all rely on a strong conceptual understanding of basic economics. After reading Parkin the careful reader will be able to comprehend the primary considerations of economics and communicate with more advanced scholars in this field.

Awesome book!

I don't know what the other reviewer have against this book, but I found it extremely well written. I picked up this book over Christmas break so I can read about economics to prepare myself for the class I have this semester. This book made everything so clear to me. The organization of this book is great. It's divided into four sections, the first is an introduction to economics, the second focuses on microeconomics, the third is on macroeconomics and the last is about international economics. The chapters are clear and precise, great for a beginner to understand the various concepts of economics. The graphics and tables are easy to read. The examples are simple yet interesting. I found the various interviews in between chapters facinating. Reading Between The Lines gave real life examples from newspapers to illustrate economics in everyday life. Our Advancing Knowledge gave historical perspective on how the science of economics was developed. What more can you ask of a textbook? It's one of the best textbooks I've read. No wonder many prestigious universities use it.