Edible Economics

A Hungry Economist Explains the World

By: Ha-Joon Chang

Narrated by: Homer Todiwala

Edible Economics brings the sort of creative fusion that spices up a great kitchen to the often too-disciplined subject of economics

For decades, a single, free-market philosophy has dominated global economics. But this intellectual monoculture is bland and unhealthy.

Bestselling author and economist Ha-Joon Chang makes challenging economic ideas delicious by plating them alongside stories about food from around the world, using the diverse histories behind familiar food items to explore economic theory. For Chang, chocolate is a lifelong addiction, but more exciting are the insights it offers into postindustrial knowledge economies; and while okra makes Southern gumbo heart-meltingly smooth, it also speaks of capitalism’s entangled relationship with freedom.

Myth-busting, witty, and thought-provoking, Edible Economics serves up a feast of bold ideas about globalization, climate change, immigration, austerity, automation, and why carrots need not be orange. It shows that getting to grips with the economy is like learning a recipe: when we understand it, we can adapt and improve it—and better understand our world.

Critic reviews

"The only book I've ever read that made me laugh, salivate and re-evaluate my thoughts about economics – all at the same time. A funny, profound and appetising volume."—Brian Eno, composer

"A brilliant riposte to the myth that policymakers can survive on plain neoliberal fare. Edible Economics is a moveable feast of alternative economic ideas wrapped up in witty stories about food from around the world. Ha-Joon Chang proves yet again that he is one of the most exciting economists at work today."—Owen Jones

"A fascinating stew of food, history and economics."—Tim Spector

"Ha-Joon Chang has done it again. His prose delights and nourishes in equal measure. Somehow he manages to smuggle an urgent discussion of the relevance of economics to our daily lives into stories about food and cooking that are charming, funny and sweet (but never sour). In taking on the economic establishment, Chang is like a teddy bear savaging a rottweiler."—David Pilling

Interesting but Weird Combination

A bit weird, yet interesting twisting of ideas, to try to combine recipes with a lot of very interesting and valuable information about the history and the economy of various parts of the world.

Really Enjoyed it ... I would definitely recommend it and recommend any book by Ha-Joon Chan!

Enjoyed the connections

Basing different economic theories and ideas around foods made some of the ideas palatable. Great listen.

A good book to reread

It’s a good mix between food and economic. It’s a good comparison and worth a reread, carefully

Insufferable Lefty Ranting

I really wanted a book that talk about economic history of cuisine choices in countries around the world. Instead you get like some type of Marxist Leftist rant that had nothing to due with cuisine or agriculture about 90% of the time in each chapter. It is not educational, but rather an indoctrination of boring crap. It felt like it was written by a 12 grade high school student who just joined Antifa during summer break. It's more political than educational. It took the joy out of anyone who is a foodie or an amateur culinary anthropologist. I couldn't even finish listening past chapter 11, because it felt like extreme torture. Waste of money.