Basic Economics, Fourth Edition

A Common Sense Guide to the Economy

By: Thomas Sowell

Narrated by: Tom Weiner

Length: 23 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

The fourth edition of Basic Economics is both expanded and updated. A new chapter on the history of economics itself has been added, and the implications of that history examined. Among other additions throughout the book, a new section on the special role of corporations in the economy has been added to the chapter on government and big business.

Basic Economics, which has now been translated into six foreign languages, has grown so much that a large amount of material previously found in the back of the book has now been put online instead so that neither the book itself nor its price will have to expand. The central idea of Basic Economics, however, remains the same: The fundamental facts and principles of economics do not require jargon, graphs, or equations and can be learned in a relaxed and even enjoyable way.

©2011 Thomas Sowell (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Clear and concise…Among economists of the past 30 years, [Sowell] stands very proud indeed.” ( Wall Street Journal)

great education!This

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is a basic textbook on economics, presenting complicated ideas in easy to understand and practical texts.

Have you listened to any of Tom Weiner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Great Educational Stories

What did you love best about Basic Economics, Fourth Edition?

The author does a great job in telling basic stories to explain complicated economic theory. He goes into great detail about how we arrived at the current economy that we function in today and ties it back to historical occurrences that have helped shape our world.

What other book might you compare Basic Economics, Fourth Edition to and why?

This book is very similar to many current, popular business titles in that the author has a collection of smaller, real situations that illustrate and reinforce the overall theme of the book.

What does Tom Weiner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I was indifferent on the narrator. I can read it clearly in 3X and that is what is important to me in a narrator's voice.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not really, but I was always looking forward to the next story and how economics either impacted or were impacted by the decisions made.

The title says it all.

Would you try another book from Thomas Sowell and/or Tom Weiner?

I would try another book by Thomas Sowell. This one is a good summary of basic economic concepts, that are explained well. The narration by Tom Weiner is excellent.

Would you recommend Basic Economics, Fourth Edition to your friends? Why or why not?

I would recommend Basic Economics to a friend that is looking for a book that explains the basic concepts of economics. It is easy to follow and Sowell makes the concepts easy to understand by using common sense examples.

What does Tom Weiner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Weiner brings the book to life. It started off slow, but Weiner kept me in it with his narration and authentic style.

Was Basic Economics, Fourth Edition worth the listening time?

Basic Economics was worth the 24 hours of listening time either as an introduction to economics or a tune up for someone who is in the real world having studied these concepts in college.

Excellent Primer on Economics

This book covered basic economic concepts very well, as well as giving background on some famous economists. I had taken macro and micro economics in college, but still learned new things from this book. I got a little bored towards the end on the topic of international economy and how other countries' economic policies can have a global effect. However, the size and depth of information from this book more than makes up for a few topics that I found dull.

A Must Read

An absolute must read for those interested in current affairs, politics, or economics. One of the smartest and factual books on the market.

Masterpiece

What did you love best about Basic Economics, Fourth Edition?

A grand tour of economic insight.

Any additional comments?

I read the 2nd edition, in printed form. This 4th edition is a worthy successor. I'm delighted that it's available on Audible, with a fine performance by the reader.

Now I want everything from an econ point of view.

What made the experience of listening to Basic Economics, Fourth Edition the most enjoyable?

I would never read a text.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Socialism. Their way of life is understandably hard.

Have you listened to any of Tom Weiner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

How a 'Free Market' works & why it's better.

Any additional comments?

Loved it!

Great Economics Survey

His book is perfect to give context to larger economic issues. There are no charts or formulae, but more depth of information than I could take in for just one listen. I will be listening again.

Incredibly good book - every American should read!

What did you love best about Basic Economics, Fourth Edition?

This book was was complete and thorough with theoretical statements, backed up with relevant examples. Economics was explained in a very simple way, but the profound importance of the concepts really hit home.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Basic Economics, Fourth Edition?

Sowell repeated throughout the book that "Economics is the study of the use of scarce resources which have alternative uses." This is so foundational and yet so easy to forget. his calm and objective statement of facts without value judgements is refreshing in a time when most information is presented with spin and conclusions as to what you should think as a result.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was very interesting but since it was over 20 hours, it was impossible to listen all at once. I will probably go back and listen again in the future, and have recommended this book to 3 people within a week of listening.

Any additional comments?

This simple and common sense explanation of how economic principles work and how incentives impact what people decide to do should be required reading for all Americans. It brings clarity to the underlying principles and let's you decide for yourself how the information should be applied to society. Just the facts...

Should be required reading

This book explains the basics of economics in a clear and concise manner. The point of view is refreshing. It runs counter to much of the socialist bias in education and the media. Americans should be exposed to the intellectual basis for capitalism and freedom, in order to make better decisions, regarding how we are governed.