By Tim Harford



Reviewed by James Lloyd

The Undercover Economist, written by Tim Harford, is a book that succeeds in covering a wide range of economic issues, yet is likely to appeal to both economists and non-economists through its persistant use of applied examples. It provides a fascinating introduction to important topics such as globalisation, game theory and externalities. In describing each issue, Harford makes us of current and historical situations to support different viewpoints, such as pre-fifteenth century Bruges to support the argument of free trade. From the perspective of an economics student, it does well to broaden an understanding of economic principles from the A-level course, the relevance of which could otherwise be unclear when applied to the real world.

However, the book is very much designed for the general reader, and does little to elaborate on more complex issues that may face an economist. Despite this, it is successful in widening the knowledge of current economists, offering a useful overview to many different concepts, and also offering a concise introduction to relevant economic theory for all, without the sterility of an economics textbook.

I have awarded The Undercover Economist a rating of 4.5 stars - a really interesting and well-written book that I highly recommend to all.